Library Project Continues to Make Its Mark, This Time in Russia

In a significant stride to extend its outreach, the YW Library Project, spearheaded by the Chabad Friends of Cuban Jewry (CFCJ), is now making its mark in Russia with the inauguration of 33 libraries.

In a significant stride to extend its outreach, the YW Library Project, spearheaded by the Chabad Friends of Cuban Jewry (CFCJ), is now making its mark in Russia with the inauguration of 33 libraries. The project, initially focusing on constructing Jewish libraries in isolated communities globally, has achieved notable success in various countries.

Commencing with Spanish and Portuguese initiatives in South America, Mexico, Central America, and Brazil, the project later reached Ladino-speaking communities in Turkey, English-speaking regions, and French-speaking communities across France and Italy. It also expanded its footprint in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and multiple Chabad houses in the Netherlands, culminating in the current endeavor in Russia.

The CFCJ, appointed to lead this unique library initiative, allocates grants through the YW Library Project for each community library. The annual quota has consistently grown, now standing at nearly 190 libraries in over 25 countries.

The genesis of the project traces back to the foundation’s involvement in establishing a Spanish library in Havana, Cuba. Subsequently, the initiative gained momentum, prompting the CFCJ to replicate the model by opening Spanish libraries in other Spanish-speaking countries, mainly South America. Following success in Spanish-speaking communities, the project extended to Portuguese, Italian, French, German, and other secluded communities, focusing on reaching Jews in isolated and remote areas.

The impact of the project has been resoundingly positive, with numerous correspondences expressing gratitude for the contributions to communities. Recipients note the transformative effect of the libraries, translating into thousands, and collectively tens of thousands, of readers engaging with Judaic books and valuable Jewish Torah content. The enthusiasm generated has led to increased community contributions to expand the libraries.

Rabbi Shimon Aisenbach, Director of CFCJ, commented on the project’s overarching goal, stating, “With the hope that this project will hasten the assurance that b’koroiv we witness the ‘U’Mmoloh Ho’oretz De-ah es Hashem…’ ‘…Loi Ro-ov La-Lechem.…Ki Im Lishmoah es Divrei Hashem.'”

The Library Project has thus far benefited numerous countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Florida, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Jerusalem, Mexico, Northlands, Ontario, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sint Maarten, Turkey, Uruguay, Quebec, and others.