FJC’s Yahad leadership awards were distributed last Sunday at the closing of the Yahad youth forum in Moscow. The first annual awards are aimed to recognize the efforts of Jewish communities and individual Jewish leaders in youth activities development.

Eli Riss, the rabbi of Birobidzhan, was awarded “Rabbi of the Year” award, while Moscow’s Jewell youth club was named “the Most Active”.

“Jewish youth activities in Russia have seen tremendous growth in the last year, and as such we wanted to recognize and honor those, who made this possible,” Yahad award organizers said.

Among other categories were: social initiative of the year, personal growth of the year, even the coolest chuppah (Jewish wedding) of the year.

Mr. YItzhak Mirilashvili and Mr. Eli Horn were honored as the youth philanthropists of the year.

“I am grateful that my efforts were so highly praised. Of course, all rabbis work 24 hours around the clock, so I think it’s our shared achievement, for all rabbis Russia,” said the ‘Rabbi of the year’ Eli Riss. “The award re-energizes one’s efforts to continue working on the development of Jewish life in the country. As for me, I share this award with our entire community of Birobidzhan – it’s them who made this possible.”