Municipal Autonomous Preschool Education institution kindergarten general developmental form No337 of the City of Samara

Makkabi is a Samara Jewish cultural centre. The kindergarten is a part of the organisation. It was opened in 1995 supported by the Samara city administration and the American Jewish committee called Joint. The educational program is supported by the international fund Lauder. In the beginning, this project was planned as an experimental ground. The aim of the experiment is fixed as the following: “Educational conditions for the creation of national identity and tolerance in the institutions with a national component.” The kindergarten hosts more 70 children. The children are educated according to the program approved by the government of the Russian Federation. In addition, they get to know the history and traditions of Jewish people, learn Hebrew. The language classes are given in the form of games, songs, poems and theatre. The main idea of “MakkabiLauder” is to develop the family relationship among children, to let them realize that they are the members of the collective. We value the support of family, so we encourage older children to help younger children or each other. The Makkabi children participate in the international kids festivals and represent Jewish culture. The kindergarten hosts a big library. One may find more than 4000 books about Jewish culture there. Moreover, Makkabi offers the classes of Hebrew to the parents. These classes are open not only for the Jews. Every person who wishes to study Hebrew and also to know something about Jewish culture, religion and philosophy may join the course. The kindergarten hosts children from 2.5 to 6 years old. These are not only Jewish children. They attend the kindergarten for a full day stay, where they get personal development through games and communication. The working hours of the kindergarten are from 9.00 till 18.00.