Zhitomir and Alumim Orphanage: A Beacon of Jewish Revival and Hope
A Rich Jewish Heritage
Zhitomir, once a prominent city on the Jewish landscape in Ukraine, was known for its synagogues, Talmud Torahs, yeshivahs, and the largest Jewish population in the heavily Jewish Volhynia region. From 1847 to 1862, Zhitomir's Jewish printing press was one of only two allowed by the czarist government, making it a central source of Chassidic books in the Russian Empire. This vibrant Jewish life was decimated by the Holocaust and three generations of Communism, reducing Zhitomir to a small town by the time Rabbi Shlomo and Esther Wilhelm arrived in 1994 to establish Chabad-Lubavitch of Zhitomir.
The Transformation Begins
Upon their arrival, the Wilhelms were met with the daunting task of revitalizing Jewish life in a community that had become a shadow of its former self. "I was scared," recalls Esther Wilhelm of her initial reaction to permanently moving to a small town in Ukraine. “I wasn’t sure I could handle it.” Yet, their dedication and tireless efforts have turned Zhitomir into the Jewish capital of western Ukraine. Today, Zhitomir is home to a synagogue, the Or Avner Jewish day school, and the impressive Alumim Educational Campus in nearby Zarichany, which houses the Alumim Children's Home.
Alumim Children's Home
The Alumim Children's Home, part of the Alumim Educational Campus, is a testament to the Wilhelms' commitment to Jewish education and welfare. Recognizing the need for a Jewish school that could cater to children from smaller towns, they established the children's home to provide a safe and nurturing environment where Jewish children could receive a proper education and grow in their Jewish identity. Initially renting apartments, the initiative expanded until the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS purchased an expansive campus in Zhitomir in 2007.
Community Outreach and Support
The Wilhelms' work extends far beyond Zhitomir. They have established eight Chabad centers in cities throughout western Ukraine and coordinate Jewish activities in dozens of smaller towns. Their efforts ensure that even Jews in remote areas can connect with their heritage and community. This network supports Jewish life through education, social services, and cultural events, bringing a sense of belonging and continuity to Jews across the region.
Challenges and Resilience
Jewish life in Zhitomir today faces different challenges compared to the past. Alcoholism and drug use are rampant, especially in villages, and intermarriage has become more common, accelerating assimilation. Despite these challenges, the Wilhelms continue their mission with unwavering dedication. They strive to instill a strong Jewish identity in children and adults alike, starting from scratch if necessary to rebuild the community's Jewish fabric.
A Model for Jewish Revival
The Alumim Children's Home also serves as a model of resilience and adaptability. During the height of the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014, it became the first Jewish refugee camp, providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict. Supported by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the home has expanded to accommodate an influx of children, ensuring they remain in a secure and nurturing Jewish environment.
Relocation to Ashkelon, Israel
Since the war in Ukraine broke out, the Alumim Orphanage has been relocated to Ashkelon, Israel. This move ensures the safety and continued education of the children amidst the ongoing conflict. In Ashkelon, the children are being integrated into Israeli society and given the opportunity to connect deeply with the land of Israel. They receive extra-curricular activities designed to enrich their education and help them adjust to their new environment, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural integration.
Continuing the Legacy
The Wilhelms' work in Zhitomir is a living tribute to the vibrant Jewish heritage of the region. By connecting with individuals and fostering a sense of community, they reveal the true inner Jewish self of each person. As Esther Wilhelm prepares to address the annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries, she reflects on their journey and the teachings of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. "The way we 'permeate the world with holiness' is not necessarily through huge events or projects, but by connecting with each individual, person by person, mitzvah by mitzvah," she says. "It adds up to reveal their true inner Jewish self."
Through their unwavering commitment and innovative approach, the Wilhelms have transformed Zhitomir and its surrounding areas into a beacon of Jewish revival and hope, ensuring that the rich heritage of the past continues to inspire future generations, now extending their mission to the land of Israel.