With the support of the European Jewish Foundation, the Federation of Jewish Communities in Slovakia successfully delivered a year-long educational and cultural initiative in 2025 through three MOADON camps, held in spring, summer and autumn.
These camps brought together dozens of Jewish children and educators from across Slovakia, creating safe, inspiring spaces where Jewish identity, learning, and community could flourish.
Each MOADON camp focused on a distinct theme, offering participants a rich and varied educational experience. The Spring Camp explored the Ten Commandments and their relevance in everyday Jewish life, combining interactive learning with discussions led by Rabbi Misha Kapustin and trained educators. Through engaging peulot and group activities, campers reflected on mitzvot not as abstract concepts, but as practical guides for daily living.
The Summer Camp shifted its focus to Israel, highlighting influential Israeli figures from the worlds of music, film, and the arts. Campers engaged directly with creative works, discovering how artistic expression connects to Jewish identity and contemporary Israeli society. This approach helped young participants build a meaningful and positive connection to Israel through culture rather than abstraction.
In the Autumn Camp, attention turned to Jewish history and legacy. By examining significant historical Jewish figures, campers learned how Jewish heritage balances respect for tradition with openness to modernity. The program emphasized continuity, showing that Jewish resilience depends on remembering the past while actively shaping the future.
Across all three camps, more than 100 children aged 7–18 took part, supported by over a dozen madrichim and educators. Nearly 50 original educational activities were developed, alongside prayers, Shabbat celebrations, and immersive evening programs that strengthened both knowledge and community bonds. The strong role of madrichim—many of whom serve as role models and mentors—proved essential in creating a warm, inclusive environment.
The impact of the project has been clear and lasting. Most campers chose to attend more than one MOADON camp, with many returning for all three. Older participants have since expressed interest in madrich training, signalling the program’s success in nurturing future Jewish leaders. Feedback from families and educators confirms that the camps deepened participants’ understanding of Jewish culture, history, and values, while reinforcing a strong sense of belonging.
Building on this success, the Federation of Jewish Communities in Slovakia plans to continue the MOADON camps in the coming years, further strengthening Jewish life through education, leadership development and high-quality programming.