For Russians, it's a passion, not a pastime. Beloved as much as baseball in the United States, the game of chess is studied, debated and played throughout Russia at haimish gathering places called "chess palaces."

With this model in mind, Chess Corps, Inc., in partnership with Hebrew College, announced the fall launch of the Chess Studio on the Hill, a unique program designed to foster a community of chess players of all ages and skill levels.

Conceived by Chess Corps Chairman and CEO Eric Cushing P'64, BJEd'68, in consultation with President David Gordis, and successfully piloted last spring at Hebrew College, the Studio offers individualized instruction, casual play, simultaneous exhibitions and lectures, tournaments and special events.

Through these activities, the program promotes chess as a gateway to learning. "Chess is not just a game," stresses Chess Corps Educational Director and Belarus-born chess master Valery Frenklakh. "It teaches you critical life skills such as concentration, logical thinking, strategic planning, decision-making and sportsmanship."

There is also a Jewish connection. "Many chess masters have been Jewish," says Gordis. "One objective of the Chess Studio on the Hill is to explore the history of these many personalities and the nature of the Jewish fascination with chess."

The Studio is open Sundays, 2:30–6:30 p.m., in the Alumni Dining Hall. For more information, contact Valery Frenklakh at vfrenklakh@chesscorps.intranets.com, 617-549-1491, or go to www.chesscorps.org to register.

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