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Sofya Tamarkin once met Mikhail Gorbachev. After introducing herself as a Soviet Jew emancipated by Mr. Gorbachev, she asked him for his autograph. His reply was: "Your life is my autograph." Indeed, Sofya's life story embodies the struggle and triumph of Soviet Jewry. From growing up in a country where the flame of Judaism came so close to being extinguished, she rose to become a spokeswoman for her people. I met her for the first time at a weekend for Russian Jews, where she asked me such a moving question, that it led to a long and deep relationship between our families. Sofya is a wonderful teacher, witty, passionate, and authentic. She is one of G-d's ambassadors for love, light, and hope.
Rabbi YY Jacobson
Rabbi YY Jacobson
Sofya Tamarkin is a talented writer with an eye for meaningful human stories and achievements. She began life in the former Soviet Union and that has given her a unique insight into cultures and their influence on the human spirit. She tells the stories of ordinary people who rose to greatness despite their circumstances and brings out genuine Jewish values in the process.
Rabbi Akiva Tatz
Rabbi Akiva Tatz
I first "met" Sofya in print, but she has the gift of making you feel as though you know her for decades from the first time you read one of her articles. Not everyone can bring you into their culture, their intellectual life, and their heart. She does it all. She gave me a whiff of her moral courage in the Soviet Union, her spiritual search when she was able to actualize her dream of finding more than just getting by. You have a great deal to gain by letting her into your heart and your mind.
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller-Gottlieb
Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller-Gottlieban American-born educator, author, and speaker based in Jerusalem
Sofya Sara Esther is focused on self-growth, deep connection and spreading love to all of creation.
Orit Esther Riter
Orit Esther RiterRenowned Author and Speaker for the Daily Dose of Emuna. Energy Practitioner and Teacher
Sofya is an incredible writer who writes straight from the heart. She weaves beautiful life messages into her stories and teaches us to look for a deeper, spiritual perspective. Her writing uplifts, guides, entertains, and inspires.
Chana Weisberg
Chana Weisbergeditor of theJewishwoman.org, an international motivational speaker, and an author of 6 books
Sofya is the real deal. She is an amazing woman who inspires her audiences from a place of authenticity, vulnerability, seeking truth and sharing her powerful journey. Every time I hear Sofya speak I am challenged to think deeper and appreciate more. I highly recommend learning from and with Sofya Tamarkin as she has so much beauty and meaning to share.
Eve Levy
Eve LevyFounder of Inspired Jewish Women
Sofya is a force of positive energy. She is gifted at sharing her wisdom through her talks and her many insightful articles. You will benefit from what she has to share!
Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein
Rabbi Aryeh WeinsteinRabbi. Coach. Teacher. Beginningwithin.com
Sofya is a pure soul that wants to do good and have a positive effect on the world. There is gentleness about Sofya that pierces the soul in such an easy and delightful way. She jumped to the call of duty, and it’s been an honor to have her be a part of my SANE TEAM ANGELS.
Miriam Yerushalmi
Miriam Yerushalmia psychologist who spent 40 years, creating brain training programs to teach self-regulation techniques
Sara Ester has transformed herself! She is a person deeply committed to personal growth which is very inspirational. She’s a empathetic leader and intuitive coach.
Robin Sarah Davina Meyerson
Robin Sarah Davina Meyersontransformational coach, international speaker and author
Sofya has an incredible spiritual energy that lights up every room, and yet she is also funny, down to earth, and highly relatable. The participants at the conference she spoke at for my organization loved her message and delivery. On a personal level, I am in awe of her talent, drive, and constant growth and self-improvement.
Gevura Davis
Gevura DavisDirector of Engagement of Aish Chaim
Sofya is an inspirational storyteller who weaves history and the plight of the Russian Jews together with Torah. I always enjoy reading her articles and hearing her speak.
Aleeza Ben Shalom
Aleeza Ben Shaloma dating and relationship coach
Sofya Sara Ester Tamarkin is a sincere spiritual aspirant who has managed to find her way from the darkness of Soviet Communism to the light of Torah Judaism. Her eagerness to pursue Truth, whatever the cost, will inspire her readers to join her in her journey.
Sara Yoheved Rigler
Sara Yoheved Riglerauthor of Holy Woman and presenter of the Kesher Wife Workshop
I’ve known Sarah Esther for several years and her persistence for learning and helping others grow is remarkable.
Rabbi Aryeh Nivin
Rabbi Aryeh NivinFounder of Personal Development Chabura Program
Sofya personifies the Chassidc saying: "When you are connected to something above you, you don't fall down below.". Sofya is the epitome of personal growth, always striving to climb higher and higher regardless of the obstacles in the way. Her cheer and infectious positive energy are the best tools to have in the personal growth tool box.
Rabbi Yehuda Shemtov
Rabbi Yehuda ShemtovExecutive Director Lubavitch of Bucks County
To read Sofya's story is to take a journey in courage, inspiration, and growth. And even if her story is not your own, it will open a portal for you to discover what can happen when you are willing to rise to the occasion and follow your own moral compass
Hanna Perlberger
Hanna PerlbergerAttorney, Author, Speaker, Coach
Sofya Tamarkin

No, Jews Are Not Museum Artifacts

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, my husband and I took a trip to Australia. Having grown up in the former Soviet Union, we both had

April 14, 2026 No Comments
Sofya Tamarkin

This Survivor is Turning 102 Years Old

Pearl Hinda Nagel survived the Lodz Ghetto, outlived the Nazis and turned 101. Here is what she wants you to know. Imagine the changes witnessed

April 14, 2026 No Comments
Sofya Tamarkin

How a Samurai Found His Home in Judaism

Westerners often picture samurai as Japanese warriors holding swords. Yet this honorary title “samurai” belongs to a hereditary class bound to a demanding moral code.

March 10, 2026 No Comments

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ABOUT SOFYA

My name is Sofya Tamarkin. My family emigrated from the former Soviet Union in 1989. In my late teenage years I started the ultimate quest for Truth, seeking knowledge of my Jewish heritage.

After many years of searching for meaning and clarity, I have come to appreciate my connection to Judaism and all that it stands for. As I was seeking to bond with my authentic identity, I focused on deeper understanding of the ‘secret’ of Jewish survival during the last 2,000 years of exile. I wondered, what made us so strong and fierce. My people survived unimaginable tragedies, yet we continued to be ‘The Light Upon The Nations”.