Gil Smolinski, at The Blogs

Nov 27, 2023, 12:33 PM

The Unique Manifestations of Jewish Resilience

It is an odd conversation to have, honestly – discussing our demonization, persecution, and a collective animosity that seems to have been continuously directed toward us. The absurdity peaks when conspiracy theories involving Jews, such as controlling the media...

Jul 16, 2023, 5:57 PM

Kazakhstan hosts Conference on Interfaith Relations in Jerusalem

Last month, the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the Roundtable on Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation at the David Citadel in Jerusalem, Israel. The conference saw religious leaders, political officials, and academics gather together under one roof with the goal of...

Jul 13, 2022, 2:04 PM

Jewish Education Grows in Kazakhstan

Education keeps the world spinning with new ideas from new generations. After being involved with the Jewish community in Kazakhstan, it has become apparent to me how the Jewish education in the country helps traditions thrive and people feel...

Feb 22, 2022, 4:20 PM

Music, The Russian Empire, and Flourishing Jewish National Identity

An exploration of Jewish music during the waning years of the Russian Empire reveals the fascinating interplay of the cultural, religious, and nationalistic forces and ideologies that shaped Jewish music and its composers. On the eve of World War I...

Aug 29, 2021, 4:01 PM

The History of the Russian Jewish Community

Who and What is the Post-Soviet Jewish Community? As someone with a personal interest in Kazakhstan and its neighboring countries, I find the current climate of religion in post-Soviet countries fascinating. In a country where, until relatively recently, religion was...

Apr 13, 2021, 10:36 AM

What Kazakhstan Has to Offer Chabad

I have written previously about the profound connection between Chabad and Kazakhstan. It is worth noting that much of the special connection, particularly recently, has been due to the importance that the Kazakhstani government places on tolerance and unity....

Feb 28, 2021, 8:03 PM

The Incredible Story of Chana Schneerson

Though I do not consider myself a member of the Chabad movement per se, I have a strong connection to the Chabad branch in Kazakhstan, where the movement has deep roots. When Rabbi Levy Yitzchak, father of the last Lubavitcher...

Jan 10, 2021, 7:52 PM

The Intriguing Relationship Between Chabad & Kazakhstan

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and the Jews of Kazakhstan Every year, Hasidic Jews from around the world come to Kazakhstan to pray at the grave of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson who was famously...

Dec 29, 2020, 1:03 PM

The Thriving Jewish Communities of Kazakhstan

My Personal Connection with Jews in Kazakhstan The Jewish history of Kazakhstan is a long and somewhat sad one—many ended up there after fleeing from European and Russian persecution. Today, however, the small Jewish communities of Kazakhstan are thriving, with...

About Me

Gil Smolinski is a business developer, entrepreneur, and advisor to startups. He is a loving husband and father of two, who enjoys the depths of books and the sea and tends to dive into both.