Five Russian Jewish Couples Wed During Yahad’s 2026 Brazil Journey
In a powerful display of unity and heritage, five young Jewish couples from Russia and former Soviet countries recently tied the knot during an educational journey to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The weddings served as the emotional centerpiece of a larger expedition organized by Yahad, Chabad of Russia’s student and young adult movement, which brought together 900 young Jews to celebrate their identity and community.
- Five couples, who all met through Yahad, married in a shared celebration on the outskirts of Sao Paulo.
- The event was part of a larger educational journey involving 900 participants from across Russia.
- Yahad, directed by Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, provides critical Jewish infrastructure for youth in regions from Tbilisi to Birobidzan.
- The weddings highlight a broader trend of young Russian Jews reconnecting with their heritage through travel and communal study.
A Celebration of Unity in Sao Paulo
The wedding ceremonies took place on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, marking a new chapter for five couples who had discovered one another through the programs offered by Yahad. For these participants, the journey to Brazil was more than a trip; it was a culmination of years of spiritual and social growth within a supportive community.
The event highlighted the scale of the Yahad annual educational journey, which serves as a vital touchpoint for young Jews who often live in areas with limited access to Jewish communal life. By bringing nearly a thousand young people together, the organization fosters bonds that transcend geography and local isolation.
Bridging the Gap for Russian Jewish Youth
For many participants, Yahad represents the only viable link to their Jewish identity. The movement, directed by Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, operates across a vast sphere of influence, reaching young adults from Tbilisi to Birobidzan. This reach is particularly critical for those hailing from small towns or cities that are largely bereft of Jewish infrastructure.
By hosting Torah classes and communal events, Yahad provides a space for young people to spend quality time with fellow Jews, transforming what might have been a solitary search for identity into a collective experience of belonging.
From Crimea to Brazil: A Journey of Faith
The story of Netanel and Michal exemplifies the transformative power of these journeys. Netanel, born in Yevpatoria on the Crimean Peninsula, grew up in a city of 100,000 where Jewish opportunities were scarce. After moving to Simferopol—a larger city with approximately 13,000 Jews—he connected with Yahad.
It was during a 2022 Yahad trip to Morocco that Netanel met Michal, who had also grown up on the Crimean Peninsula with limited Jewish resources. Their relationship evolved from friendship to love as they continued to participate in Yahad events, including a trip to Turkey and a Shabbaton in Moscow.
The couple’s decision to build a Jewish family was solidified following a long conversation with philanthropist Vadim Aminov during the Moscow Shabbaton. Their journey eventually led them to the outskirts of Sao Paulo, where they joined four other couples in their wedding celebration.
Looking Forward: The Impact of Communal Connection
The weddings in Brazil underscore a significant shift in how young Jews in the former Soviet Union are engaging with their heritage. Rather than relying solely on local infrastructure, which may be lacking, they are utilizing international journeys and organized movements to find partners, mentors, and a sense of purpose.
As Yahad continues its mission to reach isolated Jewish populations, these celebrations of marriage and unity suggest a growing resilience and commitment among the next generation of Russian Jewry to maintain and expand their ancestral traditions.