During Chanukah, the Jewish community of Nizhny Novgorod hosted its yearly “Person of the Year” award ceremony. The “Community Member of the Year” was announced as Milya Zhebrak, a war veteran and recipient of 18 awards and medals, who captivated the whole room as they listened to him talk about the war and its veterans.
The award for “Patronage” went to Eduard M. Chaprak for his invaluable support to the community and responsiveness in all situations. Emilia Ayzina, director of Boarding School no.4, took the prize for founding the Janusz Korczak Museum.
In the “Education” category, the prize was won by Zhanna Vitebskaya, director of the Gan Menachem Kindergarten, who noted that establishing the kindergarten is the collective achievement of the entire community and the merit of all parents.
Boris Rubin, CEO of the Bimar Construction Company, whose contribution to the synagogue’s restoration cannot be underestimated, received the award for “Restoration and Rebirth.” The award for “Active Citizenship” was presented to Vladimir Gribov, director of the Department of Transport and Communications of the Nizhny Novgorod Administration.
The nomination for the “Art” category went to Alexander Skulsky, the artistic director and chief conductor of the Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, awarded to him for recording the symphonic suite "Reb Tevye" based on Sholom Aleichem's "Tevye the Milkman”. Eduard Fertelmeister, who composed this wonderful music, was also recognized.
Nizhny Novgorod Regional Archives director Boris Pudalov, a man of encyclopedic knowledge - thanks to which the history of the Jewish community in Nizhny Novgorod has been systematized - was presented the award in the “Science” category. Yefim Nemtsin was awarded the “Heritage” award for his support in the revival of the Jewish community.
Eduard Fayans, a deputy chief physician of Hospital # 35 was declared “Volunteer of the Year.” Mikhail, Irina and Boris Belotserkovsky received the award in the “Young Family” category, with the presenters noting how this family is living fully Jewish lives.
In a single evening, participants in the event saw how it is possible to trace the history of the community from its oldest members to its youngest, in whom its bright future is entrusted. The ceremony continued with a concert by Ohr Avner schoolchildren, a wonderful slide show, and an inspiring performance by a boy’s choir visiting from Jerusalem.