The Road to Discovery

To Alexi, being Jewish never seemed very important.  "I had some notion of ancient Judea based on novels I’d read," he recalls.  "But that was pretty much all I knew about my people.  I didn’t even know much about my grandparents’ life in a Jewish shtetl."

But when the 35-year-old graphic artist heard about Minsk’s JDC-supported Creative Intellectuals’ Club, he was interested.  "I heard it was a place that brings unique people together for high-level programs."  So he went along – and took the first step toward rediscovering his Jewish heritage.

What he found was an opportunity not only to listen and learn, but also to teach and lead.  "It did not take me long to get deeply involved in the club, and I also became interested in Judaica professionally." 

Today, Alexi applies his talents to help build Minsk’s Jewish community.  He designs posters, fliers and other material for Jewish events that, only a year ago, he would not have considered attending.  "The club enriched me enormously," he said.  "It changed my life."