In an effort to rectify the fact that so many Russian Jews were denied access to the richness of a Jewish education, FREE offers adult education programs which consist mainly of lectures and seminars designed to build Jewish identity and awareness in the Russian immigrant community.
Russian immigrants listen intently during a adult education seminar
In addition to the lectures and seminars, FREE offers weekly classes on the traditions and rituals of Judaism. These classes provide “how to” instruction and offer sources for increased learning and observance. FREE’s classes are complimented further by publishing the Jewish Heritage Page on the weekly Torah portion in Novoye Russkoye Slovo, America’s largest Russian-language newspaper. The Jewish Heritage Page provides a brief outline of the weekly Torah portion with insightful commentaries and practical lessons for everyday life. The Jewish Heritage Page reaches thousands of Jews and brings them the richness of Torah.
REE’s adult education efforts are rounded out by offering classes in the English language designed to empower Russian immigrants to navigate and succeed in their new surroundings. With the full collapse of communism in 1989, FREE launched an English language academy, offering English courses on a large scale, with over 50 classes operating simultaneously at various locations in the heavily Russian populated areas throughout the United States.
Cong. Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe (F.R.E.E.) was founded in 1969 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
Stay informed about upcoming events and alumni reunions @F.R.E.E
