“Something Worth Fighting For”: This Young Jewish Leader Dreams Big in Ukraine

If you’re looking to be inspired by the next generation of Jewish life in Ukraine, Rodion Pilipcevich will convince you the future of the community is in good hands. Rodion, 16, reconnected with his heritage through Active Jewish Teens (AJT) — the JDC youth program in the former Soviet Union (FSU) in partnership with BBYO. Alongside his peers, he now fuels programs that strengthen Jewish life in Ukraine, from vibrant Shabbat celebrations to volunteer initiatives that serve the neediest Jews in his hometown of Dnipro.

In this reflection, Rodion describes his hopes for his Jewish community. 

I want to be a pioneer. I want to pass on what I’ve learned to future generations. This is my passion and my path — and it all began through one JDC program. 

I’m the first person in my family to embrace Jewish community life. Back in my childhood, my parents didn’t pass down many traditions — it was as if they’d been abandoned. The sadder truth is that they didn’t have the chance to learn about their Jewish heritage growing up in the Soviet Union. That meant my heritage felt distant, kept alive only by my grandparents. 

All of that changed about a year ago when I joined Active Jewish Teens (AJT) here in Dnipro. 

AJT is a place where every teenager can express themselves fully and is accepted, understood, and valued. I believe the mission of AJT is to unite and activate the inner resources we all have. Some of us are songleaders, others are dancers or art enthusiasts — no matter your focus or passion, every strength and talent can be leveraged to build a meaningful Jewish life. 

Each teen has their own personal interests. I’m most inspired by the music — it’s what motivated me to participate in the first place. Music is with me every day, and I think about it constantly; Jewish tunes are always in my head.  I was especially moved during my first AJT Shabbat, when I wasn’t a songleader yet or able to play the guitar, but others were, and that affected me. I wanted to do what they were doing. 

Here at the youth club, some friends told me there was a guy who could help me learn guitar. I started hanging out with him and practicing. Within six months, I could play. Now I’m a songleader, and on Shabbat, I sing piyyutim (liturgical poems), niggunim (wordless melodies emerging from Hasidism ), and psalms. 

AJT is all about those kinds of moments, when we sing, dance, rejoice — what in Hebrew is called simcha — and we are one. This sense of solidarity matters most during these difficult times. It’s incredible, and incredibly wonderful, to call such a big Jewish family and organization my home. 

But AJT isn’t just song and dance. It’s a vehicle for growing into the best kind of people we can be — a way to become good, in the deepest sense of that word, and to do good, too. 

AJT has made me into a Jewish leader. More than a year ago, I had no idea how to speak in public. I think every teen struggles with self-doubt. Like many others my age, I had a fear of speaking in front of a large audience, leading a class, or sharing stories. 

I remember my first seminar, when I had to present to a group. I was worried and nervous. But I overcame those feelings, and now I’m completely free of fear. 

Whenever I conduct classes or events, it’s gratifying to see how my words resonate with people. They notice something important, dive deeper into Jewish tradition, and become more aware of themselves as part of global Jewish life. I believe this sense of unity and fulfillment is the most significant achievement, and it’s what we continue to strive for.

But these efforts don’t happen in a vacuum — they are strengthened by our friends and family at the JDC-supported Solomonika Jewish Community Center (JCC).  

Solomonika is the heart of Jewish life here in Dnipro. It’s the most comfortable, family-friendly place to visit, where everyone is always happy to see you. It’s a place where you can attend summer family camp, holiday celebrations, Shabbat, and other gatherings. All of Dnipro’s Jews, including my parents, participate in the events. Recently, we celebrated Chanukah, a collective show of hope and light in these dark times. 

Now, when it’s cold outside and there are blackouts, it’s comforting for people to gather at Solomonika, where a generator ensures that it is warm and bright and people can charge their phones. These little things touch everyone’s hearts and make them feel less alone. 

This sense of community inspired me to become an AJT Global Ambassador — the culmination of my efforts. A Global Ambassador acts as a liaison between AJT participants and the larger regional network. We’re constantly talking to teens, sensing what they need, and conveying this information to AJT as a whole. In the process, we help AJT evolve and stay relevant to our lives. 

My leadership journey has only just begun. I plan to implement various initiatives and projects in the near future. I have so many ideas, I’ve already started to work on them. 

As passionate as I am, like everyone in my community, the hardest thing is to keep working at the same pace. Sometimes I do want to give up. We all dream about peace — and still, I always feel heartened when I remember a joyful Shabbat or holiday celebration we helped organize. 

Those moments are worth fighting for — we have no choice. Years from now, I believe that people will remember that despite the difficulties we faced, we faced them together. As a songleader, I love when my music ignites a fire in people and I see the future we can have, if only we keep working towards it, one in which we’re thriving and growing and safe. 

AJT is how we get there. And I’m grateful to know that we have the most trusted partner and friend in JDC. 

My story doesn’t end here. I’m ready to lead the Jewish community for the rest of my life, and so are thousands of other teens. Together, nothing will stop us. 

Rodion Pilipcevich, 16, is an AJT Global Ambassador and lives in Dnipro, Ukraine.

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