For centuries, Ukraine was a beating heart of Jewish life, though its story was never a simple fairy tale. Yes, it was a place of deep traditions and close-knit communities. But it was also a world of extreme poverty, fierce religious debates, and the very real fear of pogroms. It was a place where brilliant new ideas were born, and where ordinary people did whatever they had to do to survive.

It was real, complex, and incredibly vibrant. And for so many of us, this raw and fascinating world is exactly where our own family stories begin.

In this special, free online gathering, we will look at the true face of Jewish Ukraine. We will explore the everyday lives of the people who walked the streets of big cities and small villages, sharing their fears, their incredible ideas, and the heritage they left for us.

What We Will Discover:

• The real, unfiltered daily life in the legendary Pale of Settlement - the poverty, the deep traditions, and the fierce arguments.

• The birth of movements that changed the Jewish world forever: from the mystical joy of Hasidism to the early, idealistic sparks of modern Zionism.

• A special introduction to our upcoming 6-part deeper journey through Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Galicia, Crimea, and the Ukrainian shtetls.

Whether you are tracing your family roots or simply love exploring our true, unpolished history, I would be honored to see you there. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and let’s share this meaningful time together.

(Can’t join live? A full recording will be sent to all registered participants.)