Editor’s note: In 2019, seven recent Sisisky Fellows traveled on a service and education “Inside Jewish Ukraine” trip. Dr. Ashley Shustak was one of the Fellows. The following was her reflection of her experience after coming back to Richmond that appeared in the Reflector.
Ashley’s Reflection from 2019
Ukraine is an incredible country and the Jewish Community is passionate, innovative and involved.
Stepping off the plane and into the Jewish Community Center in our sister city, Zaporozhye, I was not sure what to expect. Maybe a few people, stories of hunger, despair and religious injustices.
Luckily, I was extremely off base. As we entered, we were warmly greeted by the JCC director whose presence alone created a sense of positivity and fostered community. Each room we entered on our tour was full of JCC participants doing a variety of activities.
One room was standing-room only with elderly singing Yiddish songs of the past. Another had elderly creating an art project for upcoming Lag B’Omer activities. Another had play practice led by a disabled volunteer, and one more had an economics class on how to manage money and use funds through a JDC-sponsored debit card. One more had young children learning about Lag B’Omer, another had a teen carnival and still another had a cooking class for at risk youth. Outside there were elderly doing an exercise class. Nordic walking is quite popular in Ukraine.
I was amazed; it was hard to believe this small city could have such a vibrant Jewish Community.
The Sisisky Fellows and others gather with teens at the Arayot Teen Club, a very active group in Kharkov, Ukraine, that meets at the JCC in Kharkov, and around the city for classes, celebrations and volunteer opportunities. (Contributed Photos)In our short week within the community, I was moved by the unique programming. Can you imagine how strong, large and vibrant the Richmond Jewish Community would be if all participated, went to the JCC and Synagogues, volunteered to help the needy, children and elderly?
While some of these people are not well versed in Judaism, they exemplify the core values of it in a beautiful way. We heard stories about many of the Jewish Youth recently discovering their Jewish ancestry. They have limited resources and small budgets, but they are willing to give their time and manpower, which is more than their weight in gold.
What can we bring back to the Richmond community? How can we express and share what we saw in Ukraine and make people understand? In our busy lives how can we create change and an attitude of service and community building?
In the wake of new anti-Semitism, how can we get our surrounding communities to see us in a positive light and use our programs to set a new standard?
I wonder how I can give back to the beautiful Ukrainian communities who welcomed us gracefully and refreshed us in what it means to be a good person and a good Jew.
