Russian American Jews of Minnesota (RAJMN) is proud to announce its return as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a major milestone for the only organization in Minnesota solely dedicated to the Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) community and has organized over 450 events and served over 3,000 people. This transition marks a new chapter in RAJMN’s mission to amplify RSJ voices, celebrate cultural identity, and build strong bridges to the broader Jewish community.
One of the first initiatives of this new chapter is the revival of RAJMN’s flagship Teen Fellowship, which held its first meeting this week and marked the start of the 10th Fellowship cohort. The program is designed to empower RSJ teens through leadership development, Jewish learning, and cultural connection, all through a lens that reflects their unique bicultural experience. The Fellowship aims to shape the next generation of leaders grounded in both Jewish values and cultural pride.
Voices from the Fellowship
“I’ve been part of RAJMN for so many years because it truly feels like home,” said Arielle Shofman, a teaching advisor and alumna who has been with the fellowship for six years. “Growing up in the southern suburbs, it wasn’t always easy to find a space that understood both the Russian side of my family and our Jewish traditions. RAJMN, and especially Ilana’s leadership, created that space for me.”
“Now, I love being able to help give that same experience to other kids. I come back because it’s more than just events, it’s a community that keeps me connected to who I am and where my family comes from.”
Anthony Shishkin, a teaching advisor and member of the teen fellowship’s very first cohort back in 2016, shared:
“The reason I return year after year to RAJMN is because of the incredible work Ilana does with the Russian Jewish community. It’s truly inspiring to see how each RAJMN gathering helps strengthen existing friendships while fostering new connections. I’ve had such a great time building lifelong friendships as a member, so now I want to help give the new members the same meaningful experience.”
For Lawrence Volodarsky, who grew up in the RAJMN community, coming full circle as an advisor is deeply meaningful:
“Being Ilana’s son, I was born and raised in the Russian-Jewish community and surrounded by families and kids who have been participating in RAJMN’s events. Now, being a grown-up and able to lead some of the sessions with other advisors who I went through the program with, and seeing the next generation of our Russian-Jewish community, it’s awesome to see how much the program has grown and how engaged and involved every participant wants to be year in and year out.”
“I think the RAJMN Teen Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind program that brings our community together and strengthens our youth’s connection to our identity, culture, and religion which is so important as they continue to finish high school, go off to college, and begin adult life.”
From Gabriela Kotovsky
I came into the RAJMN teen fellowship my freshman year of high school after being involved in RAJMN since I was a kid. I came into it knowing many people already but the friendships and connections I created throughout my 4 years were wonderful and something I will always be grateful for! I loved being in the fellowship throughout high school. I came back as a TA this year because I want to be able to give current students the same amazing experience I had and help them achieve that in any way I can.
As RAJMN steps into its independent future, the return of programs like the Teen Fellowship signals not only a renewal of purpose, but a recommitment to raising up RSJ leaders and is rooted in heritage, empowered by knowledge, and inspired to give back.
You can learn more about RAJMN at their website: https://www.rajmn.org/
