Finally! Plans are confirmed for my first assignment to begin next month in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. I will be there for approximately 4-5 months working with the local community on several JDC-related projects. Turns out, I’m also “just lucky.”
When he first heard the news, my great uncle Stan called and asked whether I was that smart or just lucky. He told me that my maternal great-grandfather, who I never knew, was born in a place called Yekaterinaslav. Yekaterinaslav was built in the late 18th century for Catherine the Great and was later renamed Dnepropetrovsk after the civil war in 1926. My family left the area prior to the war, eventually making their way to the Portland, Oregon (a story for another time). But, this twist of fate makes the journey that much more exciting for me personally!
A few facts: Ukraine is situated in Eastern Europe and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. The country itself is just slightly bigger than France but slightly smaller than Texas. There are more than 47 million Ukrainians of which roughly one million live in Dnepropetrovsk (also known as Dnepro). Orthodox monks founded the first settlement in Dnepro in the 9th century and it is now the third largest city in Ukraine. It sits on the Dnepr River and is home to more than 50,000 Jews. It rose to be the primary city in the Soviet Union for metalwork, engineering and a leader in the Soviet space program. For decades, metal pipes were the local specialty and still carries the tribute to its industrial workforce (Glory to the Metallurgists).
Ukraine has a very deep and rich ancient history that I look forward to exploring!
My best, Joy
When he first heard the news, my great uncle Stan called and asked whether I was that smart or just lucky. He told me that my maternal great-grandfather, who I never knew, was born in a place called Yekaterinaslav. Yekaterinaslav was built in the late 18th century for Catherine the Great and was later renamed Dnepropetrovsk after the civil war in 1926. My family left the area prior to the war, eventually making their way to the Portland, Oregon (a story for another time). But, this twist of fate makes the journey that much more exciting for me personally!
A few facts: Ukraine is situated in Eastern Europe and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. The country itself is just slightly bigger than France but slightly smaller than Texas. There are more than 47 million Ukrainians of which roughly one million live in Dnepropetrovsk (also known as Dnepro). Orthodox monks founded the first settlement in Dnepro in the 9th century and it is now the third largest city in Ukraine. It sits on the Dnepr River and is home to more than 50,000 Jews. It rose to be the primary city in the Soviet Union for metalwork, engineering and a leader in the Soviet space program. For decades, metal pipes were the local specialty and still carries the tribute to its industrial workforce (Glory to the Metallurgists).
Ukraine has a very deep and rich ancient history that I look forward to exploring!
My best, Joy
10 comments:
Sounds like a fantastic journey is ahead of you - please have safe travels!!
John Turlington
Hi Joy,
Learn a lot, have fun and take your long underwear.
Love always,
Aunt Kimberly and Uncle Richard
Joy-- what a wonderful placement for you and for the people of Dnepropetrovsk...or, as we call it in Boston, "Dnep." Dnep is a sister city for the Boston Jewish Community, and a place where your work and dedication will have a much needed positive impact. You should know, however, that with such a strong tie to Boston, the people of "Dnep" only embrace Red Sox fans!
Nisiya tova--can't wait to follow your journey. Love, Jen
Joy,
Your blog page looks great. I'm looking forward to keeping track of your adventures and experiences. Feel free to touch base with NYHQ, whenever you need ... or just want!
Safe travels.
Abby Pitkowsky
Have fun Joy! You are going to have such an amazing time. Dont forget to take photos.
Hi Joy,
By now you are probably arriving in your new home for the next 6 months or so.
I know you will make the most of this incrediable opportunity and I look forward to reading your blog and learning more about Dnepropetrovsk and the services provided by JDC.
Have a fabulous time.
Love, Rhona
Joy,
Mazal Tov! You'll have a truly wonderful adventure.
I loved working with the Joint rep in Yugoslavia when I lived in Italy. Let me know if I can ever be of help (Jewish info, resources, etc.).
Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman
BeckBerman@aol.com
HI Joy,
If there's a woman who goes from strength to strength, it is YOU!!!
I'm thrilled to be among the lucky recipients of your postings.
My parents' homes were both in the Ukraine; both of blessed memory.
Do, learn, experience, and share.
my best to you,
mona
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