The extensive and complex preparations for the Month of Tishrei in Moscow began earlier than every year, and its blessed results are being praised by the general public in the Russian capital, both spiritually and materially. An uplifting feeling can be felt as we enter a month filled with Jewish holidays.

At the behest of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Berel Lazar, the distribution of food baskets was increased this year, and the Rabbi personally came to oversee the large distribution that took place over several days at the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center. He praised the administrators and Gabbaim for their exemplary arrangement and the respectful and orderly distribution, while ensuring that each applicant receives full attention. Each application was handled immediately and all families received the food supplies needed for Yom Tov, fresh, kosher, and in abundance.

The main entrance to the  Central “Marina Roscha” Shul and Jewish Community Center was renovated during the month of Elul, to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. This marks exactly 25 years since the historic inauguration of the building, which was held on the 1st of Elul, 5770. It was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia and with the participation of the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu zt”l, who then presented a large shofar to Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin. The President, who was moved by the gesture,  has since visited the place several more times, and fully supports the activities of the Jewish communities throughout Russia.

A group of pious women thoroughly cleaned and polished the dozens of pure silver Torah crowns in the central shul, as an opening to the Mega “Hafrashas Challah” ceremony and as spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days. Hundreds of Jewish women from Moscow participated in the beautiful program led by Rebbetzin Chani Lazar, which included an elaborate and moving artistic program.

The Gabaim at the central shul, along with all the directors of the Chabad Houses and institutions scattered throughout Moscow, did much this year to accommodate the number of worshipers, after widely advertising the times of prayers and Torah classes, and providing everything necessary so that each worshipper will feel as comfortable as possible. This has caused many first time shul goers to return to shul regularly throughout the year.

In addition to congratulatory letters sent by the Russian Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the Speaker of the State Duma, and other heads of state, on the eve of the holiday, the Chief Rabbi’s office also received a congratulatory letter from the Russian President, in which he writes:

“To the Jews of Russia, distinguished friends! I hereby congratulate you on the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. This holiday, which marks the beginning of the new year on the Jewish calendar, calls upon the faithful to repentance, kindness, and mercy. It symbolizes adherence to high moral visions, which are at the foundation of all traditional religions. Respectful treatment of the people’s history and adherence to the traditions of the ancestors now serve as a spiritual cornerstone for Russian Jews, who make an important contribution to the development of the country, to strengthening ties of friendship and mutual understanding between peoples of different nations and religions. I wish you good health, complete success, and all the best, and once again – many congratulations on the holiday! Vladimir Putin.”

Photography: Levi Nazarov