Eisenstein. Pasternak. Mikhoels. Rostrapovich.The list of Soviet Jews who’ve made lasting contributions to world culture is too long to mention. But the artistic and intellectual heritage that produced them must be rebuilt from its foundations.

The FJC vigorously promotes the rebirth of Jewish culture by sponsoring programs and institutions in 15 countries. Together, they serve as a creative incubator for the first post-Soviet generation of Jewish artists, performers, composers and writers.

This cultural archipelago includes libraries, computer centers, museums, chess tournaments, athletics, art exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, theatrical productions, dance groups, adult education classes and hobby clubs. Most of these activities take place at Federation-sponsored Jewish Community Centers.

There is demonstrable evidence that when a JCC is built in the former Soviet Union, even people who today relate to Judaism only through culture are attracted to the facility and all it offers. The end result is consistently an embrace of Jewish culture and tradition and a newfound pride in living as a Jew.