Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli (Israeli Weekend), founded in the Fall of 2010, is a vibrant, nationwide educational initiative for Russian-speaking Israelis aged 18-35, which aims to strengthen Jewish and Israeli identity, bolster Jewish unity, foster personal and intellectual growth and develop talented young leadership for Israeli society and the Jewish People.

With active branches in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva and Bat Yam, it is a warm and supportive community of over 10000 young Russian-speaking soldiers, students and young professionals – most of whom moved to Israel without family. Friday-Shabbat retreats, hikes, study evenings, Jewish cultural enrichment events, volunteer, holiday and olim empowerment activities are helping young Israeli immigrants thrive in their new home in an atmosphere of pluralism, Jewish Literacy, and Jewish Peoplehood.

The Argaman Project aims to:

1) Expose Russian-speaking Israelis in their 20’s and 30’s  to high-level Israeli culture and opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and expansion of personal Jewish identity.
2) To promote the concept of “Judaism (also) as Culture”, and Jewish Israeli culture as a powerful means to enhance personal identity and connectedness.
3) To overcome challenges of language, ticket costs, and inadequate familiarity and /or appreciation of the Israeli cultural milieu which often prevent such exposure.
4) To strengthen Jewish Israeli identity via the arts, in an atmosphere of openness and pluralism.
5) To promote the intellectual and social integration of new Russian-speaking immigrants and enhance their capacity for communal leadership and involvement in Israeli society.
6) To enhance members understanding of trends and ideas that help shape Israeli society.

 

Shishi Shabat Yisraeli page