The Jewish community in Moscow is making extensive preparations ahead of Rosh Hashanah, with synagogues, Chabad centers and communal institutions preparing to welcome thousands of mispallelim and guests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a special Rosh Hashanah greeting to Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaRav Berel Lazar, praising Jewish organizations for their contributions to education and chesed, as well as their efforts to strengthen family values and educate the younger generation.
At the Marina Roscha Jewish Community Center, the central shul has been prepared with machzorim, talleisim, yarmulkes and other supplies, along with meals for the many guests expected to attend.
Chabad shluchim throughout Moscow have also distributed holiday packages, visited Jewish inmates to help them hear the shofar, and assisted the elderly, homebound and hospitalized.
The community recently opened “Smile of the Heart,” a new center for children and adults with special needs. The center, directed by Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gadz, provides professional services and therapies modeled after facilities in Israel.
During the opening, the Chief Rabbi affixed a mezuzah and toured the facility, including a therapeutic kitchen where children learn baking alongside Jewish concepts.
The 39th Chabad House in Moscow was also inaugurated in the Cheryomushki neighborhood, opposite a major medical center. The new shul will be led by Rabbi Dovid Khonelidze and will serve as a center of Torah, tefillah and chassidus for local residents.
In addition, a new kosher restaurant, Kosher Style, opened near Marina Roscha. The Chief Rabbi affixed a mezuzah and presented the restaurant with a mehudar kashrus certificate after touring the facility.
The community’s chesed efforts are also continuing through the “Kimcha D’Pischa” project, which distributed large food packages to families in need and large families ahead of the Yom Tov.
With the preparations completed and the food packages distributed, the Jewish community is now looking forward to the tefillos of Rosh Hashanah. Following the services, many are expected to receive brachos from the Chief Rabbi, along with an apple, honey and pomegranate for a sweet new year.
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One Response
HaRav invited rasha for Rosh Hashana, explaining that he does not need to be bothered with Yom Kippur- only beinonim are, while reshayim’s year is decided right at the RH din.
So, when Putin put an order for a lulav from the burning russian amazon, he was told – no need to pay, we dont think you will live that long!