This past Purim night, a historic moment was recorded at the central “Marina Roscha” Shul in the center of Moscow, an emotional event that connected a glorious past to a promising Jewish future.

Alexander Gorodetsky, a dear 95-year-old Jew, arrived at the Shul and handed over to the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, an antique miniature Megillah written on klaf and placed inside a decorated pure silver case.

Standing firmly and with an emotional voice, Alexander shared with the Rabbi and those present the history behind the family treasure. The Megillah was given to him by his great-grandfather 75 years ago. His grandfather, who was born in the year 5630 (תר”ל), inherited it from his father, which testifies to the fact that the Megillah was written over two hundred years ago.

“When my grandfather gave me the Megillah he asked me to guard it my entire life,” Alexander told the Chief Rabbi, and added with determination: “I decided that the best guarding now is to entrust it into the hands of our Rabbi.”

With the conclusion of the central Krias HaMegillah before the large crowd, hundreds of young Jews gathered to hear the words of the Chief Rabbi, who presented the rare Megillah before them. Rabbi Lazar connected in his words the vitality of Alexander with his devotion to our Mesorah: “If you all want to be joyous and serene, with Arichus Yamim like Alexander Gorodetsky, you should keep a Megillas Esther in your home and walk in the path of Am Yisroel’s heritage, guarding Torah and Mitzvos. Our ancestors drew optimism from this Megillah, and from it one can understand that it is impossible to defeat the Jewish people.”

Rabbi Lazar continued and emphasized the relevant message of Purim, noting that there is Hashgacha Pratis in every single detail. “The Emunah that Hashem watches over us is what gives us strength in every situation. Even when reality seems difficult, we must be certain that there is a Creator who runs the world. There is no room for worry when one knows there is a Manhig to the world, and any Safek (doubt), which in Gematria is Amalek, does not fit the Jewish spirit.”

He continued by turning to the crowd with a call to awaken their Jewish identity in light of the events in Eretz HaKodesh. He emphasized the chiyuv to demonstrate Jewish pride through Kosher attire, the use of Jewish names, and the fulfillment of practical Mitzvos, foremost among them affixing a Mezuzah at the entrance to the home. These actions are what will guarantee the security and victory of Am Yisrael in Eretz HaKodesh and everywhere.

Photo: Mevaser Tov Moscow