At the Marina Roscha shul in Moscow, erev Yom Kippur was marked with kaporos and lekach, and Yom Kippur concluded with the uplifting singing of “Napoleon’s March,” directed by Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar.
Due to popular demand, the custom of Kapparos was held this year at a number of locations throughout Moscow. It was overseen by the Kashrus Department under the auspices of Russia’s Chief Rabbinate. In annual tradition, the yard of the Central Shul in Marina Roscha, was ready to receive the crowds in a fully organized fashion under the sukka that is already being build for the upcoming yom tov of Sukkos.
The Chief Rabbi of Russia arrived at dawn to do kapparos, he inspected the knives of the Shochtim, and covered the blood with sand after the shechita.
Many minyanim were held for Shacharis in the main shul, after which the crowds stood in line to receive lekach from the Chief Rabbi along with blessings for a sweet new year.
Meanwhile, the dedicated Gabbaim worked with an extensive team of workers to finish the many preparations to welcome the throngs of guests, from all shades of the Jewish spectrum in the Russian Capital. Shabbos candles, yahrtzeit candles, yarmulkes, kitlach, tallisos, comfortable seats, machzorim with translation, and wonderful chazanim, all in a large, air-conditioned hall.
As the fast concluded on Motzei Shabbos, the crowds burst into spontaneous singing and dancing of “Napoleon’s March,” while the Chief Rabbi enthusiastically waves them on from his seat, energetically jumping up and down.
We are fully confident that we have won this courtcase and Hashem has accepted all of our prayers and wrote us all for the very best year.
Photos: Levi Nazarov
Discussion
In keeping in line with the Rabbonim's policies for websites, we do not allow comments. However, our Rabbonim have approved of including input on articles of substance (Torah, history, memories etc.)
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.