Concert and New Torah Celebrate 140 Years of Choral Synagogue

The Jewish community of Nizhny Novgorod, the sixth largest city in Russia, celebrated 140 years since the establishment of the Choral Synagogue, with a grand concert and the inauguration of a brand-new Torah.

The Jewish community of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, marked a significant milestone, celebrating 140 years since the establishment of the Choral Synagogue. Completed in 1884, the synagogue has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in the city, symbolizing both the growth and resilience of the local Jewish population during challenging times. The celebration included a grand concert and the inauguration of a brand-new Torah scroll at the synagogue.

From its beginnings with just a few hundred individuals in the mid-19th century, the community has expanded significantly, now numbering around 10,000 members. The celebration serves as a reminder of the community’s ability to endure despite facing historical challenges, such as Soviet-era repression and the forced closure of Jewish institutions.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the Jewish community of Nizhny Novgorod experienced a resurgence, and the Choral Synagogue once again fulfilled its vital role as the heart of Jewish life in the city. Today, the synagogue and community offer a wide range of services, from Jewish heritage classes and daily prayers to youth activities, formal educational institutions – including an FJC ‘Or Avner’ Jewish school and kindergarten – and informal programs, and social aid for those in need. Under the leadership of Rabbi Shimon and Rebbetzin Yael Bergman, it remains a vibrant cultural and spiritual center for Nizhny Novgorod’s Jewish population.

The 140th-anniversary event featured a large-scale celebration, which included the inauguration of a new Torah scroll and a grand concert by a renowned Russian band. The concert, attended by 1,000 people, was held in an elegant hall before continuing to the synagogue. Prayers were offered for peace in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, was a distinguished guest at the event. He delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of the synagogue in Jewish life and met with local government officials to discuss continued support for the Jewish community.