The ongoing expansion of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union continues with three new shuls opening in time for the High Holidays, and the dedication of three new Torah scrolls to be used within them. These synagogues join 30 active Chabad Houses throughout the capital city of Moscow under the auspices of Rabbi Berel Lazar, the Chief Rabbi of Russia.
The first shul to open this month was at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, which has a sizable Jewish enrollment. It came after intensive work by Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Shimon Krasnodomsky, who credits the new development to the dedication and participation of local students attending events throughout the year.
The second—the initial phase of a much larger project—opened its doors in the Mytischi neighborhood by rosh hakahal (community leader) Rabbi Boruch Bentzion Gorwitz, together with local emissary Rabbi Yochanan Kosenko, a graduate of the Chabad educational institutions of Moscow.
And the third, led by local emissary Rabbi Boruch Kleinberg, was established in the Sokol neighborhood, where Kleinberg has been working with Russian Jews for many years now.
The Torah scrolls were brought to their new homes in joy and celebration. Local Jewish residents had the chance to see them and hear from them during services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and say they look forward to being at the synagogues for Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, and all year long.
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