EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION

A few months ago when Colette and I discussed ideas for this issue of the magazine, we decided to devote its main section to religion. At that time there were not yet bombers circling the skies over Yugoslavia, not yet tens of thousands of refugees seeking shelter in the European countries, there wasn't yet that oppressive feeling of approaching catastrophe about which people are talking more and more, as summer comes on. The world has changed, however much we wish to ignore this. There is less room for illusions that the progress of mankind will make global policy more humane, that the twentieth century, which has experienced two world wars, will putan end to senseless bloodletting, that the will of the global community has decisive significance in resolving conflicts. The war in Yugoslavia has profoundly affected us all, in the East and the West. Like any war, it let loose destructive forces, and those who still remember the realities of the recent "cold war," are alarmed to see some familiar symptoms. So, strange as it may at first seem, a discussion on women and religion is actually becoming more timely. What is happening in our world has stimulated us to think about fundamental things, both globally and personally, about nature itself and the nature of man, and the meaning of history. Does faith have the power to alter what seems an inevitable course of events? Can spiritual values save mankind from self destruction? What can women do in this process? The questions are more existential than practical, yet for each of us they have great significance which includes a practical aspect. First of all, one has to answer these questions to get guidance for life ahead. What should we teach our children? Where can we find salvation and support? I would like to believe that in reflecting on these questions, our readers will be helped even just a little by the materials in this issue. I personally benefited a lot from a conversation with the well-known scientist-oncologist and humanist, who has long been a member of the Nobel Committee, Jerzy Einhorn.He came to Moscow for the presentation of the Russian edition of his book, Chosen to Survive, the story of a Jewish boy surviving the Holocaust. It is a convinving book and has become a bestseller in many countries, a tribute to love that never succumbs to doubt. Love that conquers desperation, and the imperfections and tragedies of the world. I talked with Jerzy, and this wise, no longer young man told me he believes in Russia and its future, believes in humankind. "In spite of everything, " he said, "the world is inevitably moving toward what is better."Let his words be a theme for the materials in this issue of our magazine.

Nadezhda Azhgikhina