Yakov Tipograf - Climbing the Highest Summit

Yakov Tipograf today works as a supervisor of Jewish educational programs for Russians for a leading Jewish educational organization. He is constantly on the move, flying between Israel and the Former Soviet Union (FSU) to meet with faculty and students and to keep a close eye on Teacher Training and other Jewish educational programs in Moscow, Petersburg and elsewhere. He travels to a dozen cities where he offers assistance to emissaries in almost every corner of the FSU.

At Shvut Ami, Yakov learned about Judaism, training for five years before being  ordained by Jerusalem’s chief rabbi. But his leadership skills he developed during times of travel and adventure!

During his college days in Moscow, Yakov loved traveling to the mountains in the far reaches of the USSR, to Uzbekistan and Sachalin. During these dangerous treks, every step was carefully measured and the cooperation of each group member was crucial. Yakov was often chosen to be the group leader. He took responsibility for his fellow travelers, maintaining peace among them. On a dangerous hike, if one member become angry, or perhaps decided to toss a heavy backpack over the cliff, it might put the whole group at risk. At one particularly dangerous moment when he realized that his life was on the line, Yakov suddenly came to the realization that there was a greater power in the world. The experience set him on a path that brought him to traditional Judaism and the decision to become a Jewish leader.

 “The initiative he exhibits is rare among those raised under Communism”, says Alan Goldblatt, Director of Development “Most Russians learned to conform. Yakov is a problem solver”, says Goldblatt. “He is always a step ahead of everyone else, looking to launch a new project or initiative”. Yakov’s vision is global and his impact is felt by Russian Jews worldwide.