New Computer Center for Moscow Seniors

(lubavitch.com) The Chabad-Lubavitch Sharei Tzedek charity center in Moscow launched a new state of the art computer center on Wednesday, adding internet, email and computing to a list of 30 programs offered daily to hundreds of elderly day program participants. 50 staff members, participants and volunteers joined the grand opening for a tour and computer class demonstration by instructor and computer room manager Iliya Varligen.

The geriatric day program participants who attend the center from 9am to 5pm for meal, sports, crafts, skills training, health workshops and Jewish educational programs, expressed a desire to learn computer and internet usage.

“Most places in Moscow offer information on their websites and grandkids want to send their grandparents emails and pictures,” said Executive Director Shiye Deitsch who spoke at the event about the power of computers to improve the quality of life for elderly.

“This facility, with a capacity for 10 users at once, enables us to teach them to use computers, connecting them to family and increasing their independence.”

Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar secured funding for the project which he deemed “very important” and “a natural step” for Sharei Tzedek’s growing programs.

Located in the Marina Roscha neighborhood near the Moscow Jewish Community Center, Sharei Tzedek helps 15,000 elderly, sick and handicapped Jews each year, offering a full medical center, medicine and medical equipment, a soup kitchen and the day program. In addition, staff regularly delivers food and assistance to 1000 home bound residents in the area.

Opened in 2007, the center is a project of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.