Donors and Volunteers Honored on Moscow River Cruise

Donors and volunteers of the Marina Roscha Jewish community gathered aboard a cruise ship on the Moscow River, generously provided by a friend of the community, to enjoy an evening of appreciation and stunning views of the city skyline.

In the presence of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, a special event was held to express appreciation and gratitude to the lay leaders of the large Jewish community in Moscow. These individuals stand behind the many projects and events of the Central “Marina Roshcha” Shul and have taken upon themselves to support the various initiatives operated by the management and the Gabbaim. They also assist with the daily operations of the shul, which serves as a pillar of strength for all the Jews of Moscow in particular, and for the Jews of Russia in general.

The event was held the week before Pesach on a luxury ship donated by a friend of the community. For two hours, participants were able to enjoy the spectacular views of the city skyline, reflected in the waters of the Moscow River that runs through the capital. During the cruise, they enjoyed a rich and well-planned program, produced entirely by the dedicated team of Gabbaim, who work tirelessly day and night for the benefit of the hundreds and thousands of Jews who frequent the shul, whether regularly or as guests.

The Chief Rabbi and Mara De’Asra of the great shul expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all who are involved in this holy work. He called for expansion and further growth—to add more seating and to further develop the Torah and Chassidus lecture programs. Following his speech, the Chief Rabbi distributed certificates of appreciation and prestigious Pesach Haggadahs to the donors.

Volunteers from the community were then invited, one by one, to receive a special gift of appreciation. Many avrechim donate their time selflessly throughout the year. They offer Torah classes, organize youth and children’s programs, host guests, and take on a wide range of other communal responsibilities—especially around Jewish holidays.

This honorable event was incorporated into a Sheva Brachos meal in celebration of the wedding of the daughter of the community director, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg. Rabbi Weisberg is one of the shul’s founders and has been devoted to its growth and function since its early days in the old building. He manages the entire community with great talent and unwavering loyalty, all under the leadership of the Chief Rabbi of Russia.

This Sheva Brachos followed a magnificent dinner held at the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center, in recognition of Rabbi Weisberg’s dedication to chessed and charitable causes throughout Moscow. The groom’s father, Rabbi Ido Yitzhak Weber of Jerusalem, took part in the celebration, and the groom’s brother, the talented writer Rabbi Aryeh Erlich-Weber, delivered the keynote address.

Photography: Levi Nazarov

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