It’s not easy for a teen to earn money in Ulyanovsk, Russia. With most families barely scraping by, allowance is an unheard of concept. Summer jobs, tutoring, or babysitting are opportunities rarely available to Ulyanovsk’s youth.
Despite these odds, a determined group of Jewish teenagers worked and strategized throughout the endlessly cold winter months in Ulyanovsk. Their hard work paid off and they successfully raisedSummer jobs, tutoring, or babysitting are opportunities rarely available to Ulyanovsk’s youth the necessary funds to attend a travelling summer camp, arranged by the local Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Yossi Marozov.
We knew these kids from our previous summers in Ulyanovsk, and were excited to be spending more time with them. Also, we hoped that the fun, relaxed atmosphere, combined with being away from home, would help instill a love for Judaism in these teens, at this formative time in their lives.
A few days into camp, we concluded that Igor S. was by far our toughest nut to crack. We learned that he had spoken to Rabbi Marozov beforehand, demanding that this trip not be religious in any way. Sadly, 15-year-old Igor considered himself Christian, and he told the rabbi that he does not participate in any religious activities, only Jewish outings and social opportunities. “Tefillin, that is one thing I will never do.” He insisted.
The trip was going well, even beyond our expectations. We spent several days exploring St. Petersberg, a highlight of which was the prison where the first Chabad leader, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, was incarcerated for 53 days. The campers were having a great time, and we were working overtime to present Judaism in non-threatening and joyful ways. We were constantly singing Russian Jewish songs, and as the days went by, ourWe were working overtime to present Judaism in non-threatening and joyful ways campers started joining in, their Jewish pride on fire.
Last Friday, we were taking a break from travelling to prepare for Shabbat. We were setting the long tables for dinner, when Stephan came over to us, and asked if he could put on tefillin. Of course, we were delighted at his request, and we helped him get wrapped up right away.
Igor was sitting across the room, watching the scene. As we finished with Stephan, he approached us, with tears in his eyes.
“Dovid, can I have a chance to put on tefillin as well?”
For a long moment, words failed us, until Igor’s sniffling brought us back to reality.
“Yes, you can, Igor. Yes, you can.”
As we helped Igor put on tefillin for the first time in his life, we were reminded once again of the incredible power of the Jewish soul, a piece of G‑d that us mortals can never underestimate, nor limit its infinite potency.
