Julia Georgieva was elected Chair of the Central Israelite Religious Council (CIRC) at the General Election Assembly, held at the Sofia Synagogue on 21 June this year. She was the only nominated candidate. She received the support of the community members, who entrusted her with leading the institution for the next term.

In her first address after her nomination, Julia Georgieva outlined her vision for the development of Jewish religious life in Bulgaria. At the centre of her priorities she placed people and their sense of belonging to the community.

“Every member should feel at home in the synagogue, feel accepted and understood, and not hesitate to ask questions, to learn more and to be curious,” she told the delegates.

The new Chair linked this vision to her personal experience. She recalled her first steps in the Jewish community nearly three decades ago. As a teenager she attended a Jewish camp for the first time, without knowing much about the tradition and religious practices. She believes it was the atmosphere of support and acceptance she found there that helped her feel part of the community.

“For the first time, I felt what it means to be part of the Jewish community in Bulgaria and to feel at home,” Julia Georgieva shared.

Her election follows the end of the term of the outgoing Chair, Maxim Delchev, who presented a detailed report on the Council’s activities in recent years. The most significant achievements included:

• the revitalisation of religious life at the Sofia Synagogue
• establishing the conditions for giyur (conversion) and its recognition by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel
• the founding of a Beit Din
• the development of the “Nishata” museum exhibition
• the preparation of the first complete Siddur in Bulgarian
• the launch of the Balkan Centre for Torah Study

According to Maxim Delchev, the Sofia Synagogue today is not only an active religious centre but also a place of vibrant community life. Every year it attracts tens of thousands of visitors from Bulgaria and abroad.

In an interview with “Evreyski Vesti” (Jewish News), Julia Georgieva said she intends to build on what has been achieved and to ensure continuity in the work of the Council. Her priorities include completing the projects already under way, developing educational programmes and strengthening the bond between generations.

The Balkan Centre for Torah Study holds a special place in her plans. In her view, it has the potential to make Sofia a regional centre for preserving and promoting the Sephardic tradition.

“When you feel at home, you feel safe and confident, and you are ready to give more, take part more and learn more,” says Julia.

In her view, the most important task facing the community remains passing on knowledge and tradition to the next generations. She hopes that young people will know Jewish customs, feel confident in the synagogue and embrace Judaism as a natural part of their identity.

The Assembly also elected the new members of the Central Israelite Religious Council, reflecting true continuity, as well as a new Supervisory Board. Following the report on a successfully completed term, the Council enters a new stage in its development. It is guided by a vision of continuity, education and more active participation of community members in religious life.

“We have everything we need. I want us to build something our children will want to inherit and carry forward,” says the new Chair of the CIRC.