Our History
The Iron Curtain hung over the Soviet Union, a heavy cloak of darkness concealing her citizens from a bright future. Beginning in the 1970’s, it began to sag ever so slowly until it fell with a mighty crash that resounded through the world.
After 70 years of spiritual darkness, a bright new era was ushered in for the three million Jews residing in the former Soviet Union. They were approaching the light at the end of the long, dark, blinding tunnel. These despaired, desperate Jews now broke free of the shackles that had imprisoned them for 70 years and flooded the shores of America, Israel and other Jewish enclaves around the world, reuniting with their brethren.
Yet, upon reaching the shores of America, they found themselves so lost and alone. No one understood their language or culture, their visions and ideals. They shared no common knowledge of their heritage with their enlightened brethren. They were destitute and misplaced. Where would they turn?
In 1979, a group of visionaries saw the plight of their fellow Russian Jews and founded Be’er Hagolah Institutes. This would provide families with a place to turn, their children with a promising future as knowledgeable Jews and successful Americans. The growing number of Jewish children from the Soviet Union would have an educational system par excellence to meet their needs.
It has been 30 years and Be’er Hagolah Institutes is still growing and thriving. Now, though, three decades since the fall of Communism, we educate children of all cultures and backgrounds.