AJT Moldova- LOVA LOVA LOVA
- Is a chant I heard this weekend when 40 proud participants of AJT shouted their cheers and shared their experience with me.
Although there was a serious blizzard in the middle of April (shockingly unheard of in this part of the world.. I was extremely prepared nonetheless #trustnoone) I had the opportunity to attend an AJT seminar in Kishinev, Moldova. When you think about Kishinev, what comes to mind? All I really knew about this community before this year was what I learned in my 9th grade Global Studies class: Kishinev Pogroms. Before the Holocaust, Jews dominated about 80% of the population, with 77 synagogues throughout Moldova. Now, out of the 2 million people that live here, about 20,000 of them consider themselves Jewish and have only 2 synagogues to choose from, both of which are in the Chabbad community.
Despite these numbers, I have experienced an incredible community that AJT has been involved with and in many ways, brought forth. When we talk about Jewish community and how to make it stronger, more united, value oriented, actively involved and influential- what is the answer we give to that? YOUTH MOVEMENTS.. well that’s the answer I give and its a pretty good one. This AJT Seminar was all of those things and more. We had days full of programs under the theme “Gmilut Hasadim”: Acts of Loving Kindness. We debated tzedaka vs. gmilut hasadim, spoke about women and women’s organizations that are fulfilling this role in the Jewish world and then the teens worked really hard to write projects for their communities. Evenings were full of feedback among the madrichim which allowed us to be reflective practitioners, discuss the days activities, share best practices and of course, prepare for how we can make tomorrow better than today, so that the teens not only have an amazing time with their friends, but can develop as people and leaders in the Jewish world.
Back to the projects bit which is SO COOL. Each member of AJT is responsible for creating their own project that they must begin in their community. The ultimate goal is to identify a need in the community and through the leadership skills that they develop during their time at AJT seminars, build a project that can fulfill this need. The project can range from having an event in their home youth club each week where they discuss a certain topic, creating something that benefits their community, even “project activeness” is acceptable for teens to engage in a smaller action that will add value to their experience. They have a budget of $100 for materials, for example books which will be used for their project, transport if necessary, etc…
Its unbelievable what teens are capable of, especially when they feel that they are a part of something bigger than themselves, and when they understand the influence that they can have on the world. I saw this in action this weekend and I am extremely proud of these new friends I have made, and hope to have the privilege of meeting them again in the future.