Jewish Youth Program Stimulates Wedding Fervor
	S. PETERSBURG, Russia – The Jewish community of S. Petersburg has good reason for celebration with a detailed ceremony to mark the marriage of two local young Jews – Asya Diop and Yevgeniy Slutskiy. The bride and groom met one another through the 'STARS' educational program, which involves youth and students residing in Russia's northern capital and allows them to discover their Jewish heritage, traditions, philosophy and Judaism. This marriage is no coincidence. It was through participation in the 'STARS' program that these two individuals learned that they share common values and a genuinely deep interest in Jewish culture, traditions and lifestyle. Like many youth involved in this program, they were interested in
starting their own family. United through this ceremony, they have now taken the first step to realizing this splendid dream. The Chuppa took place last week in full accordance with Jewish laws. This joyous event was hosted by the Great Choral Synagogue and was held in the Wedding Hall, which is considered to be the most beautiful room in the building. "I am hopeful that the community's potential is realized with the help of this program. Everyone anticipates a good number of traditional Jewish weddings as an outcome of the 'STARS' course," commented Rabbi Zvi Pinsky, who heads the 'STARS' program in S. Petersburg. "So far, these expectations are proving to be correct". The largest Jewish students' organization operating in the Former Soviet Union, this enlightening program is sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS. The Stars educational program is underwritten by FJC president Lev Leviev and Brazilian philanthropist Elio Horn