By Maia Efrem February 7, 2012

In reporting the American Jewish story, the Forward has come to appreciate the unique complexity and distinctive identity of the Russian-speaking Jewish community. That is why we are excited to partner with Genesis Philanthropy Group to launch Blognik Beat, which we hope will be a new home for conversation among young Jewish writers who have emigrated from or have ties to the Former Soviet Union.

Blognik Beat contributors are high school and university students in North America who trace their roots to a wide array of former Soviet Republics. They are passionate about writing and have a keen sense of the issues that matter to youth and first-generation heritage speakers from the FSU. On this daily blog, they will offer ideas and commentary on topics of religion, identity, culture, arts and politics.

Genesis Philanthropy Group is an organization that seeks to foster Jewish culture, heritage and values in future generations of Russian speaking Jewish communities worldwide. The Forward retains its independence in recruiting contributors and editing the blog.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Blognik Beat will join the Forward’s growing and flourishing lineup of blogs, including The Sisterhood; The Arty Semite; The Shmooze, Forward Thinking and Jew & the Carrot. We are excited to hear the voices of the next generation of young Russian Americans.

Maia Efrem, who was born in Georgia and lived in Israel before immigrating to the United States, is the blog’s editor. She can be reached at efrem@forward.com

Blognik Beat has been made possible through the generous support of Genesis Philanthropy Group.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount