Learn how Odessa became a center for the Jews of the Russian Empire in politics, culture and education. In the late eighteen and early nineteen hundreds the Jewish youth came to this seaport city to study in many public and private schools opened by the community and government. The Jewish intellectuals moved there attracted by the numerous and varied opportunities this bustling city had to offer.

Hear a presentation about the Jewish Enlightenment movement, known as the Haskalah in Odessa. Walk in the footsteps of the early Zionists, including Ahad Ha’am and Leo Pinsker.

Marvel at the synagogue, which once was called the “Synagogue of Zionists”, which currently belongs to the Chabad Lubavitch. We will discuss why things changed and you will find out what made the Jewish intellectuals leave the city and move to Palestine at the dawn of the 20th century.

Finally, we shall explore Odessa as it was described by the prominent Jewish revolutionary Ze’ev Jabotinsky in his novel The Five.

Join us for the second of this three part series that focuses on Jewish Odessa.

Our presenter for this very special program is Olga Bokhonovskaya, an Odessa local. Having earned her MBA in the US and formerly been employed in the field of marketing, she switched to the tourism industry in 2011 and founded Odessa Walks touring company back in her home country to supply international travelers with an authentic Odessa experience. Her areas of expertise include cultural, historic, and Jewish heritage tours. Before the war in the Ukraine, she had 3 guides working for her company. Because of the pandemic, she created live-stream virtual programs starting in 2020 that share her hometown’s beauty and rich history to people from around the world, who might not otherwise have had that opportunity.

Olga is excited to share her passion for her home city by presenting its Jewish heritage through this series she created on Zoom especially for the LESJC that will allow us the opportunity to explore the sights, learn the history, and hear about the people that have made or presently make Odessa such a unique and special place.

This talk will last approximately 1 hour, followed by Q & A with Olga.

You do NOT have to attend all three parts of the series. Each talk may be enjoyed on its own! The third part discusses Odessa during WWII and is being held on October 20th.