Lauder Fellow Ron Stern Unites Czech and Slovak Jewish Youth for Pesach

As part of his Lauder Fellowship project and with the support of WJC NextGen, Ron Stern organized a joint cross-border program in Prague over the Pesach weekend with the Slovak Union of Jewish Youth (SÚŽM) and the Czech Union of Jewish Students (ČUŽM). This marked the first larger international program for SÚŽM in some time.  The weekend began with a shared Shabbat experience, starting with an emotional and spiritual Kabbalat Shabbat prayer in the famous Old-New Synagogue, followed by a warm and traditional Friday night dinner at ČUŽM.

On Saturday, members of the Slovak Union were able to visit Prague's historical center and the Prague Castle during a guided walking tour. In the late afternoon, they met ČUŽM members for an informal picnic, which not only allowed room for informal meetings, but also for exchanging experiences on the operation, issues, and future plans of the two unions.

On Sunday, the group visited the Jewish Quarter, its most significant historical sites, and landmarks. The highlight and emotional peak of the weekend was the joint Pesach Seder, held in Prague, which brought Czech and Slovak Jewish youth together for a moving celebration of freedom, tradition, and unity.