Minsk Jewish Heritage Centre named after Polina Dobkina
On 29 October 2023, the Minsk Jewish Heritage Centre named after Polina Dobkina opened its doors in Minsk, at 13B Daumana Street. Located at the main synagogue of Minsk, the centre quickly became the cultural heart of the city's Jewish community – a place where tradition meets modernity, and where the past finds its voice in the present.
- Jewish Heritage ClubThe centre regularly hosts meetings of the Jewish Heritage Club – a space for lively conversation, knowledge sharing and open dialogue. Club members discuss a wide range of topics, from the history and culture of Belarusian Jews to philosophical questions and contemporary readings of tradition. Lectures, presentations, discussions and informal conversations – here everyone can find something meaningful for themselves.
- Film ClubA particular favourite among visitors is the Film Club. In a cosy atmosphere, screenings and discussions of Jewish‑themed films take place – from classic films to modern documentaries and feature films. Each session becomes more than just a viewing; it's an opportunity for deep conversation and reflection.
- Community LifeThe centre is alive with activity: religious holidays are celebrated, kosher receptions are held, and sometimes even weddings take place here. Since its opening, the centre has hosted over 100 meetings and events, each of which has become an important chapter in the life of the Minsk Jewish community.
Polina Dobkina – a name that became a symbol
Polina Dobkina was born in Minsk in 1926. At the age of 15, she found herself in the Minsk Ghetto, from which she escaped in 1943 to join the partisan unit "Mstitel" ("Avenger"). After the war, she devoted herself to education: she founded the Jewish school "Mahanaim" and taught Hebrew for many years, inspiring thousands of students.
The choice of Polina Dobkina's name for the centre was no coincidence. Having been a prisoner of the Minsk Ghetto, she dedicated her life to the revival of the Jewish community. This centre was created in memory of the former prisoners of the Minsk Ghetto and stands as a living testament to her courage and service to her people.
Your support keeps Jewish life in Belarus alive
Your donation supports 16 Jewish communities across Belarus. It helps restore Jewish cemeteries and create memorials at sites of memory, fund Shabbat services, festivals and heritage club gatherings, sustain the synagogue at 13B Daumana Street, and care for those in need.
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revive Jewish life in Belarus.