“Adina is studying music at the College of the Arts in Rostov,” says Galina, proudly watching her granddaughter bring the violin’s strings to life. “I’m sorry that I didn’t send her to the Jewish school. She would have done so well there, but at the time I didn’t know any better.”

Galina pauses to listen to her granddaughter's piercing rendition of a Hungarian folk song, "Czardas."

"I have to take a break," says Adina, hoping we won't be upset. "My fingers are too cold."

"I’m studying the Torah for the first time," says Galina. "Sometimes I become frustrated when I don’t understand something, but Adina always encourages me and teaches me what she has learned. She brings me closer to God."

Credit: Yanky Ascher | Souls on the Don