Chesed Operation Assists Moscow Families for Yom Tov
As the High Holy days approached, a significant effort to provide for Moscow’s jewish families unfolded, spearheaded by Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center. This year saw an increase in the distribution of food baskets, ensuring families had the resources needed for a joyous and meaningful Yom Tov. Rabbi Lazar personally oversaw the multi-day distribution, commending the administrators and gabbaim for their efficient and respectful association, emphasizing the individual attention given to each applicant and the abundance of fresh, kosher food supplies provided.
The Jewish community also celebrated a recent renovation of the main entrance to the Central “marina Roscha” Shul and jewish Community Center during the month of Elul. This upgrade accommodates the growing number of visitors to the building, marking 25 years as its historic inauguration on the 1st of Elul, 5770. The original inauguration was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia and Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l, who presented a shofar to Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Putin, moved by the gesture, has since visited the center multiple times and consistently expresses support for the activities of Jewish communities throughout Russia.
Spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days was further enhanced by a dedicated group of women who meticulously cleaned and polished the dozens of silver Torah scrolls housed in the central shul, preceding a large-scale Hafrashas Challah ceremony. Hundreds of Jewish women from Moscow participated in the program, led by Rebbetzin Lazar Shetchiye, which included a moving artistic performance.
Throughout Moscow, gabbaim at the central shul and directors of Chabad Houses and institutions worked diligently to welcome and accommodate increased numbers of worshippers. They widely publicized prayer times and Torah class schedules,ensuring a agreeable experience for all,resulting in many first-time visitors returning to shul regularly.
The arrival of Rosh Hashanah was marked by congratulatory messages from numerous Russian leaders,including the Prime Minister,the Speaker of Parliament,and the Speaker of the State Duma. A personal letter from President Vladimir Putin to the Jews of Russia stated: “To the Jews of Russia, distinguished friends! I hereby congratulate you on the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. This holiday, which marks the beginning of the new year on the Jewish calendar, calls upon the faithful to repentance, kindness, and mercy. It symbolizes adherence to high moral visions, which are at the foundation of all traditional religions. Respectful treatment of the people’s history and adherence to the traditions of the ancestors now serve as a spiritual cornerstone for Russian Jews, who make an critically importent contribution to the development of the country, to strengthening ties of friendship and mutual understanding between peoples of different nations and religions. I wish you good health, complete success, and all the best, and once again – many congratulations on the holiday!”
(Photography: Levi Nazarov)
