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Chaim
Khanin was born in 1953 in Kharchov. Painting and graphic arts has been
his main hobby and dedication from childhood. He received his formal education
in architecture and received his degree in 1976.
Through his association with observant Jews in the Soviet Union he began learning. In 1978 he was already observant and requested an exit visa for Israel to further his practice of Judaism. For years Chaim was denied an exit visa and was persecuted by the KGB for his religious observance and studies. Openly practicing his faith, attending a Kharchov minyon, and learning Torah exposed Chaim to threats and intimidation from the local authorities. During these years of harassments and persecution, his talent as a painter developed. Jewish traditional graphic Arts became a particular interest to him. His work was a tremendous pleasure and moral support for him and his religious friends. It helped them in their studies and with the difficulties they had to endure being “refuseniks”. Chaim’s work became not only appreciated among the Jewish “refusenik” community, but recognized by friends and acquaintances living in Israel and the West. Upon his marriage in 1986, Chaim moved to Moscow. In Moscow, Chaim’s popularity grew.
Finally in the summer of 1987, Chaim received their visas for Israel. Since his resettlement in Jerusalem, Chaim has become totally involved in religious studies. He is an outstanding student in the Shvut Ami Center for Soviet Jew’s yeshiva program. He is now a professional scribe and in teaching others to become professional scribes.
Chaim’s artistic works are symbols of Jewish dedication, devotion, and revival.
Through his association with observant Jews in the Soviet Union he began learning. In 1978 he was already observant and requested an exit visa for Israel to further his practice of Judaism. For years Chaim was denied an exit visa and was persecuted by the KGB for his religious observance and studies. Openly practicing his faith, attending a Kharchov minyon, and learning Torah exposed Chaim to threats and intimidation from the local authorities. During these years of harassments and persecution, his talent as a painter developed. Jewish traditional graphic Arts became a particular interest to him. His work was a tremendous pleasure and moral support for him and his religious friends. It helped them in their studies and with the difficulties they had to endure being “refuseniks”. Chaim’s work became not only appreciated among the Jewish “refusenik” community, but recognized by friends and acquaintances living in Israel and the West. Upon his marriage in 1986, Chaim moved to Moscow. In Moscow, Chaim’s popularity grew.
Finally in the summer of 1987, Chaim received their visas for Israel. Since his resettlement in Jerusalem, Chaim has become totally involved in religious studies. He is an outstanding student in the Shvut Ami Center for Soviet Jew’s yeshiva program. He is now a professional scribe and in teaching others to become professional scribes.
Chaim’s artistic works are symbols of Jewish dedication, devotion, and revival.