February 2016
Dear Friends,  

We hope you're staying warm, dry, and healthy! Not only is there an array of events happening now, there are many upcoming programs, trips, and opportunities in future months. Get ready to mark your calendars!

Warmest Regards,
COJECO Team
COJECO BluePrint Fellowship
Announcing the 2016 Blueprint Fellows!

We are thrilled to announce the 7th cohort of the COJECO Blueprint Fellowship! 

The Blueprint Fellowship is a year-long program for Russian-speaking Jewish adults ages 25-40 to explore personal and collective identity through the creation of Jewish community projects, supported by group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and a mini-grant. 

This year 10 outstanding fellows were chosen to embark on this shared journey and bring their Jewish community projects to life. The themes of their community projects are as diverse as the individuals: Israel, special needs children, modern Yiddish, first-generation multimedia art, culture through artificial intelligence, children's literature, and more! 

Mishpucha Overnight Camp-In at Liberty Science Center
February 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Mishpucha, a 2009 COJECO Blueprint Fellowship project, invites Russian-speaking Jewish families with children ages 5-12 for an incredible private sleepover at the Liberty Science Center! 

Explore the museum, meet other Russian-speaking Jewish families, work on science activities and sleep among the exhibits! The Camp-In includes hundreds of displays, live science demonstrations, evening snack, and light morning breakfast. 

When:   Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM - Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 9:00 AM 
Where:  Liberty Science Center - 222 Jersey City Boulevard Jersey City, NJ
Tickets: $50 per person with Discount Code "COJECO" (Regular $65 per person)

Shulamit: A New Opera with Music and Libretto
March 3 and 5, 2016 at 8:00 PM

Shulamit, an opera originally created as part of the COJECO Blueprint Fellowship, with music and Libretto by Dina Pruzhansky, a BluePrint alumna, is directed by Laura Alley Dietrich with David Rosenmeyer as conductor. Having premiered her one-act opera at the JCC in the fall 2014, Ms. Pruzhansky is back to present a full-scale version of her ambitious piece. A 12-person live orchestra accompanies a cast of renowned performers, while elaborate costumes and sets bring the musical drama to life. 

The story, based on the Song of Songs, takes place in ancient Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon and is a classic love story with a twist. Ms. Pruzhansky's memorable melodies make Shulamit's dramatic fate that much more compelling.

When: March 3 and 5, 2016 at 8:00 - 9:30 PM
Where: JCC Manhattan - 334 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC
Tickets:  $25 JCC members/$30 public. 

COJECO Family Programs
COJECO Summer Family Retreat: June 17-19, 2016

Join Russian-speaking Jewish families for a summer weekend at camp, bringing together parents and children for a weekend of family fun, exploration, and learning! 

Taking place at Camp Kinder Ring in Hopewell Junction, NY, just 90 minutes from NYC, this unique immersive experience offers workshops for adults, activities for kids divided by age group, outdoor sports, as well as fun and games for the whole family!

Save the Date!

Contact Nina Faynberg, COJECO Family Program Coordinator.
COJECO Project Dacha 2016

Project Dacha brings informal Jewish experiences directly to Russian-speaking Jewish families who spend their summers at upstate NY cabin communities, Dacha, by providing fun hands-on workshops for children during the week and immersive family activities during the weekends. 

This year, Project Dacha is coming to TWO LOCATIONS! 
Stay tuned for details and registration coming soon!


Albert's Bungalow Colony in Liberty, NY
July 10 - July 30, 2016

London Cottages in White Lake, NY 
July 17 - August 6, 2016 

For more information, please contact Nina Faynberg, COJECO Program Coordinator. 
COJECO Germany Close Up
Germany Close Up 2016 Dates Announced! 
*September 13-21, 2016*

COJECO partners with Germany Close Up to bring Russian-speaking Jewish young adults from all over North America on 10-day educational trips to Germany. Young Russian-speaking Jews have the opportunity to explore the past and present of Jewish life in Germany and experience modern Germany first hand. 

Learn more at www.cojeco.org/germany-close-up. 

To APPLY email Leah Volynsky to request the application. 

Germany Close Up Reunion 2009-2015
February 23, 2016 at 6:30 PM

For the first time ever, we are bringing together all five cohorts of COJECO Germany Close Up Alumni to reconnect and reminisce! We're gathering at the downstairs lounge of Woodrow's Bar in downtown Manhattan.

Appetizers and first drink is on us! 

Event is for COJECO Germany Close Up alumni only. RSVP required. 



B'nai Mitzvah Family Journey
B'nai Mitzvah Family Journey

This year we at COJECO are exploring the need and interest of the Russian-speaking Jewish community for a customized, culturally sensitive, pluralistic family program for parents and their children leading up to Bar/Bat Mitzvah. 

If you have a child ages 9-13, you may be wondering what would be a personal meaningful way to prepare for and celebrate their Bar or Bat mitzvah. Help us customize and tailor this program to your needs and interests. 

Community Events and Opportunities
Generation R Presents: Private Tour of "The Power of Pictures: Early Soviet Photography, Early Soviet Film" at the Jewish Museum
February 4, 2016 at 5:45 PM

Join Generation R for a private, guided tour by exhibition expert and fellow Russian-speaker Viktoriya Vilk, whose input helped frame "The Power of Pictures: Early Soviet Photography, Early Soviet Film." This unprecedented, compact exhibit covers the period from the Russian Revolution (1917) to the 1930's with works ranging from the Soviet avant-garde of El Lisitsky to photography and posters from pre-WWII phenoms Arkady Shaikhet and Alexander Rodchenko.  More than 100 photographs, rarely seen films, Soviet posters and artifacts make up the exhibit. 

When:      Thursday, February 4, 2016, 5:45-8:00 PM
Where:     The Jewish Museum at 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, Manhattan
Register:  $18 purchase tickets online or call (646) 505-5708.

Inside Jewish Georgia | July 3 - 10, 2016
For Russian-Speaking Jewish (RSJ) Young Professionals

JDC Entwine invites you on a week-long immersive experience to Georgia specifically tailored for Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) young professionals from throughout North America. This is a unique travel opportunity to discover and explore Georgia's Jewish community first-hand while connecting with your fellow RSJs.

-- Experience the revival of Jewish life in the Caucasus region 
-- Connect with the local community through visits, meaningful volunteer work, and conversations with local leadership
-- Soak up Georgian culture, nightlife, and cuisine like a local

Questions? Email Samantha.Shokin@jdc.org

Application Deadline: March 1, 2016
Generous subsidies available!

Thank You to Our Sponsors
   
Vivian G. Prins Foundation

Connect with COJECO
Established in 2001, COJECO is the central hub of the Russian-speaking Jewish community of NY that facilitates successful integration of Russian-speaking Jews into the greater Jewish community, while preserving our unique cultural heritage. Learn more at www.cojeco.org.

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