Q&A offers an update on the pulse of various Jewish Communities across Europe.
YISROEL PRAKAPENKA, CEO of the “Beit Yakov” Gomel Jewish Community, offers answers to some defining questions.
When was your community established and how many members does it currently have?
It existed until 1927 and was re-established on July, 20th of 1990.
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How does your community identify?
Orthodox.
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Name 3 things that define your community:
Torah study, being the only Jewish Community in the region, [and our] Yeshiva.
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What is the greatest struggle your community is currently facing?
Assimilation.
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What do you hope never changes about your community?
Our desire to stay Jewish and inspire Jewish Greatness.
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What do you hope would change?
Our material conditions - [hopefully] we will have a Mikveh, a Synagogue building and a Kindergarten.
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What is your relationship to the wider community and other religious communities in your area?
We are one of the rapidly growing community in Belarus and try to help to others develop. It serves to about 6,000 Jews of a region, from all ages and any background.
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What pieces of literature, music, movies or other art would you suggest that best introduce and describe your community and setting?
The Phoenix.
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Anything else we should ask?
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