Longing for a connection to your roots? The Heritage Congregation might be exactly what you are looking for. This congregation serves as a vibrant center for Jewish immigrants, especially those from the Former Soviet Union or FSU.
Heritage Congregation’s story begins with Rabbi Eliezer Dimarsky. He was born in Kyiv, Ukraine. At that time it was part of the Former Soviet Union. Because of widespread antisemitism, he moved to Kaunas, Lithuania, in 1981. There he earned a master’s degree in computer science.
While living in Lithuania, Rabbi Dimarsky rediscovered his Jewish heritage. He learned Hebrew, Jewish history, and religion privately. Connecting to anything Jewish was punishable by jail at that time.
In 1987, Rabbi Dimarsky moved to Israel. He wanted to continue his religious studies. Then, in 1989, he moved again, this time to Chicago. He studied at the Telshe Yeshiva. After nine years, he received his rabbinic ordination. In 1998, he founded Heritage Congregation.
The congregation’s mission is to create a welcoming community. It strives to reconnect people with the Jewish heritage denied to them in the FSU. Heritage Congregation does this through educational classes, religious services, and trips to Israel. They also provide services for all ages. These include baby naming, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals.
Heritage Congregation grew to 100 families. Its original storefront home became too small. A new building was constructed at Touhy and Francisco Avenues in West Rogers Park. It features a sanctuary, social halls, a library, and classrooms.
Rabbi Dimarsky envisioned it as a center for Jews immigrating from the FSU. He wanted them to feel it was their place. The Heritage Congregation includes people who have been in the U.S. for 30 years and their American-born children.
One member, Yana Feyganova, is from Ukraine. She had no idea how to pray when she first arrived. Now, she feels more connected to her roots at Heritage. She even looks forward to having her chuppah there.
The new sanctuary can hold 170 people but can expand to seat 300. Heritage Congregation hopes to hold everything from High Holiday services to Purim celebrations there. The facility also holds classes in Jewish studies. It may resume Heritage’s Sunday school. Singles events and refusenik speakers are also planned.
Heritage Congregation is more than just a building. It’s a testament to resilience and the enduring power of heritage. It offers a warm embrace to those seeking connection and belonging. The Heritage Congregation ensures that the traditions of Russian Jewry continue to flourish in Chicago.