Immediately upon arriving in Moscow for the historic Siyum HaRambam attended by thousands, renowned Chassidic singer Reb Avraham Fried expressed a strong desire to visit the Jewish orphanage in Moscow, to encourage the children, uplift them, and bring them joy.

On the morning of his concert, Reb Avraham Fried and his musical entourage made their way to the expansive, beautiful campus of the ‘Beis Chaya’ Jewish orphanage in Moscow, known as ‘The Pension,’ for a special and heartfelt Shacharis. Headed by the Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, the institution is dedicatedly directed by Rabbi Menachem Gol and his wife. The orphanage, which operates under the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), was built with the generous support of the Keren Keshet Foundation and is continually expanding.

Following Shacharis, the delegation was given a comprehensive and touching historical overview of the establishment and daily operations of this life-saving institution. They heard vivid examples and life stories of children who have been raised and educated at the home, both past and present.

The legendary singer was particularly moved during a tour of the complex, where he witnessed the immense investment in the children. Sparing nothing, the institution provides exceptional, pampering living conditions for those whose life circumstances have sadly been so difficult. The tour included the therapeutic swimming pool, a warm mikvah, beautifully decorated bedrooms and hallways, playrooms, and the sports hall—where Reb Avraham Fried, world-renowned conductor Reb Yuval Stupel, and virtuoso pianist Reb Achiya Cohen showed off some excellent basketball skills. They also visited the dining room, which felt like nothing less than a restaurant, before enjoying a direct, emotional encounter with the children that quickly evolved into a concert of its own.

“What songs do you know?” Reb Avraham Fried asked the excited children, immediately launching into a sing-along of his greatest hits. They sang the nostalgic Shalom Aleichem, Sheyibaneh Beis HaMikdash, Abba, Abba, and more. Afterward, at the children’s request—and with the singer’s enthusiastic participation—every single child received a personal photo along with warm, encouraging words. Reb Avraham Fried made sure no child was left without a smile and a compliment, even as the schedule ran late.

This year, the orphanage is home to nearly eighty Jewish children from communities across Russia and neighboring countries. The residents include orphans of both parents, children from broken or impoverished homes, and those facing complex medical and psychological challenges. Without this home, these children would be at risk of deteriorating into life-threatening situations or street crime, completely disconnected from their Yiddishkeit.