FJC- Ohr Avner day schools are the heartbeat of the effort to revive Jewish life in the former Soviet Union; they unify communities by raising a generation that knows what it means to be Jewish and is proud of its heritage.

Almost all of our students come from secular homes. Our goal is to educate these children to live ‘Jewishly’ within the framework of their home environment. At the same time, very often through the child, vital connections are made to bring Judaism into the home and to the entire family.

In addition to a robust curriculum in Jewish history and culture, the 72 day schools with an enrollment of over eleven thousand students have earned a reputation within the communities they serve for providing the best secular education. Our schools espouse a philosophy of inclusion, and their curricula and policies reflect the unique character and needs of each community.

In the majority of the cities served, the Ohr Avner school is the only Jewish educational institution. Many of the students live in such desolate circumstances that the two hot meals served at school are their only nourishment of the day.

Thanks to the Ohr Avner Foundation founded by FJC President Lev Leviev, there is no tuition fee. Leviev was educated at great risk by the Chabad-Lubavitch Underground as a child in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He repays his debt of gratitude with his foundation, named for his late father, Avner and dedicated to giving every Jewish child in the FSU a free Jewish education.

The Ohr Avner day school network benefits from Hebrew and Jewish studies teachers sent from Israel and supported by the Israeli Ministry of Education. This program helps our children develop a strong connection with Israel’s history and people.

Day Schools

For an index of Day Schools please click here