As Yom Kippur was over, information was received from the various congregations throughout Moscow. The numbers pointed to a sharp rise of new mispallelim who joined the usual shul goers. This highlights the ongoing efforts of the local shluchim in their intense work with Moscow’s Jewish youth.

In the central Marina Roscha Shul of Moscow, the gabbaim invested much thought and resources to help the crowds feel welcome and at home. Amongst various upgrades this year, was a special “welcome kit” that was presented to each new mispallel who arrived. The kit included a tallis, a kittel, a machzor, and a personal letter. The main tefillos were led by the chazzan Rabbi Dovid Caytak, who has been leading the Yamim Noraim tefillos in Moscow for the past decade.

The holiest day began solemnly with inspiring words from the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, who spoke about the holiness of this great day, and the great privilege and responsibility that every Jew has to properly utilize these sacred hours.

In his annual tradition, the Rabbi spoke before Yizkor, and then again before Neila, when his stirring words aroused the crowds to accept upon themselves the yoke of Heaven. During Napoleon’s March, the guests fell silent as the Rabbi emotionally pleaded that the holiness of this day not be left behind as a memory. He urged everyone to come back to shul for Simchas Torah, as even during the most difficult years, Moscow’s Jews would gather together and celebrate with true self-sacrifice.

At the end of the fast, plenty of refreshments were served to the public in many different areas of the building. Additionally, a festive yom tov meal was held for the community’s sponsors and lay leaders. As they left the building after the meal, they passed through the shul’s large sukka, and were able to witness firsthand the many preparations underway for the upcoming joyful holiday of Sukkos.

Photography: Levi Nazarov