More than 500 Jewish women from 45 cities across Russia and Belarus came together in Petersburg for an uplifting Shabbaton, marking the 10th anniversary of this unique gathering organized by the Kollel Torah learning network. The milestone event brought together participants united by a shared commitment to personal growth, Jewish learning, and community connection.

The program featured prominent Russian-speaking lecturers, including Rabbi Baruch Gorin, Rabbi Moshe Rochlin, Mrs. Birenbaum, and Mrs. Kuravsky. Participants also took part in a special symposium and Q&A sessions with rabbis and rebbetzins representing communities across the region, creating an open space for dialogue and guidance.

Throughout the weekend, attendees engaged in a rich schedule of Torah classes and workshops, offering meaningful insights into Jewish values and traditions. Beyond the formal sessions, the Shabbaton fostered genuine connections among women from diverse backgrounds, strengthening a growing network of support and shared inspiration.

A highlight of the gathering was the Motzi Shabbos banquet, where participants shared personal stories reflecting the profound impact of the program. One woman spoke emotionally about how attending a previous Shabbaton inspired her to embrace the laws of family purity, a decision she described as life-changing, culminating in the birth of her daughter. Others shared their journeys toward increased observance, including keeping Shabbos and enrolling their children in Jewish educational frameworks.

The Shabbaton was spearheaded by a dedicated team of Shluchim, led by Mrs. Leah Lipsker, and made possible through the support of the Meromim Foundation, 770 Foundation, the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, FEOR headed by Rabbi Alexander Borada, Elazar Ben Yehuda Chachinaishvili, and the Lenovitch Family.

This gathering is part of the broader Chochmas Nashim initiative established by Kollel Torah. The program unites women from over 100 cities across the Former Soviet Union and Europe, with more than 2,300 participants attending weekly classes — continuing to strengthen Jewish identity, knowledge, and community life across the region.