Israel Society

By Pesach Benson • June 1, 2025

Jerusalem, 1 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Immigrants from the former Soviet Union gathered across Israel this weekend to mark Shavuot, many celebrating the holiday in their new home for the very first time. In Tel Aviv and Haifa, centers hosting special pre-Shavuot events were filled with dozens of immigrants from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and other countries, sharing in learning sessions, open discussions, and an atmosphere warmed by homemade dairy dishes.

Yevgeny, 34, who moved from Ukraine two years ago, described how the experience changed his connection to the holiday. “I never knew much about Shavuot before,” he said. “Sitting with people who made the same journey as me — leaving everything behind and starting anew — I realized this holiday also speaks to me. It’s not just an old story anymore. It suddenly became mine.”

The Shavuot holiday, which marks the anniversary of God giving the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai, begins at sundown on Sunday.

Next to him, Bella, 28, who immigrated from Russia three years ago and recently completed her conversion process, shared how the evening deepened her sense of belonging. “I had always heard of Shavuot, but it felt distant — something my grandmother used to mention in passing,” she explained. “For the first time, I sat and studied the Book of Ruth. It’s the story of someone who left her birthplace and chose to join another people — it felt just like my story.”

The Book of Ruth is traditionally read in synagogues during Shavuot.

The story of Ruth’s story of living in Moab, converting, and becoming part of the Jewish people resonated with Bella and her own personal journey.  “I understood that conversion isn’t just a religious ceremony — it’s a choice to be part of something much bigger. Seeing how Ruth became a symbol of loyalty and belonging gave me strength to feel like I have a place here, too.”

The events were organized by Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli (SSY), a non-profit working to support Russian-speaking immigrant families and facilitate their integration into Israeli society.

“Our goal isn’t just to celebrate holidays together — it’s to help new immigrants find a real sense of belonging in Israel,” said SSY founder and CEO Linda Pardes Friedburg. “These gatherings show them that they’re not alone, and that there’s a warm, supportive space to share, connect, and grow roots here.”

For Yevgeny, Bella, and many others, Shavuot marks a milestone — their first true Israeli holiday experience filled with community, tradition, and a newfound sense of home.