Natasha Shiryeyeva, the energetic founder and spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarei Shamayim in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is not new to the art of establishing and leading a Reform congregation. In her native home in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan, which is about 200 miles from the Chinese border and 1500 miles southeast of Moscow, she established the first Reform synagogue in the area and successfully nurtured it, despite obstacles that would have deterred even a seasoned professional community organizer.
When Natasha and her family immigrated to the United States five years ago and settled in Brooklyn, Natasha's first priority was to establish a Russian-speaking Reform congregation. Without money, but with a great deal of perseverance and hard work, Natasha organized a synagogue board and convinced the Union of American Hebrew Congregations to subsidize the rent for the congregation's weekly Shabbat services in the social hall of a synagogue in Bensonhurst.
This summer, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim celebrated its fourth anniversary. Of the three Russian-speaking Liberal congregations in the America, Shaarei Shamayim is the only one in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
Starting a new synagogue is a difficult undertaking under the best conditions. How do you convince a potential new member that the community will exist in the months ahead if it has no permanent home? How does a leader convince potential congregants with limited financial means to invest in the future of a community that must struggle for its survival?
In addition to these "normal" challenges, Natatsha was also faced with the unique cultural adjustments that new Russian Jewish immigrants must deal with. It is extremely difficult for Jews from the Former Soviet Union to believe that Judaism can be a positive factor in their lives. Furthermore, the idea of privately subsidizing or providing for religious services is a completely new concept. Finally, many immigrants are still working hard to create a firm financial base for themselves and their families. Paying congregational dues is low on their list of priorities when basic survival needs must be met.
Shaarei Shamayim's success in the face of these daunting challenges is impressive. The community continues to gain members. In September, the congregation celebrated as its first bat mitzvah was called to the Torah. Natasha has also been extremely successful in spreading the word about Shaarei Shamayim in the Russian-language media. She has been interviewed extensively by Russian-language newspapers and has appeared on numerous television and radio talk shows.
At the top of Shaarei Shamayim's agenda is locating and financing a worship and learning space of its own. Under the auspices of the Jewish Appleseed Foundation, various fundraising and income-generating projects are being developed and evaluated. A Russian/English Web site is currently being created. A Chanukah launch date is projected. Until then, for more information about Shaarei Shamayim and its programs, please check the JAF Web site.
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