An exceptionally challenging year has come to an end at the Jewish Children’s Home and Orphanage in Moscow, leading the institution’s directors to turn the annual graduation ceremony into an exciting and festive event.
The ‘Beit Chaya’ home and orphanage is a lifesaving project located in the center of Moscow which serves Jewish toddlers, children, and teenagers from negligent and abusive backgrounds – including orphans and children at high risk – from across Russia and other former Soviet Union countries.
“During its 20 years of activity,” says Rabbi Menachem Gol, the institution’s director for the last 15 years, “Beit Chaya has managed to literally save the lives of thousands of Jewish children whose circumstances would have completely degenerated without their care. The love, attention, and care provided by our dedicated staff have enabled our graduates to live a meaningful, independent, and healthy life, and to establish families and a strong connection to their Jewish heritage.”
“Every year is challenging,” Rabbi Gol adds, “but after a year of being isolated in the Institution’s campus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to treat the children to more than a regular ceremony. Just look at their faces, there is nothing more to say.”
The graduation ceremony, marking the end of the school year and celebrating the graduation of ten children, started in the ‘Beit Chaya’ dining hall with a festive meal, musical entertainment, a special video clip produced by the graduates, speeches, and the presentation of awards for excellence during the past year.
Next, the children were treated to a special cruise and party on a luxury yacht on the Moskva River. They enjoyed the incredible scenery, energetic dancing, unique refreshments, and a social game in which each child expressed his gratitude and friendship.
So beautiful. Wishing these children continued happiness.
I find this to be some of the most important work. I visited the orphanages when I did a kever trip (almost 10 years ago) and to this day I’m still so effected but what I saw. The care and beautiful facilities Chabad gives them is like no other. I think about it often.
If someone wanted to try and adopted one of these kids, what would the process be?