Hundreds Attend First Slichos in Moscow’s Central Shul

As the large clock struck midnight in Moscow’s central Marina Roscha shul this past motzei Shabbos, the chazan’s loud voice could be heard as he emotionally began “Ashrei yoshvei veisecha”. The familiar and haunting melodies swept up the hundreds of worshipers in the solemn yet festive mood.

The slichos began upon the conclusion of a large Melave Malka farbrengen which was set up by the shul’s dedicated gabbaim. Rabbi Yehoshua Raskin farbrenged with great feeling and aroused the listeners to get into the right mindset for the upcoming Day of Judgement. The chazan for slichos was Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren, Shliach to the Novie Veshki neighbourhood, who led the crowd in heartfelt prayers. Spontaneous dancing erupted at the end with everyone joyfully singing “ksiva vachasima tova”, confident that Hashem will bless us with a good, sweet year, and we will merit to see the third Beis Hamikdash very soon.

In what has already become a tradition, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar spent this Shabbos near the Rebbe’s holy resting place, together with a large group of men from the Moscow Jewish community. This is a spiritual, never-to-be-forgotten, experience of a lifetime and befitting preparation for the new year and upcoming Hiigh Holidays. The group recited the first Slichos in the Rebbbe’s private residence on President Street, which was opened especially for the group from Moscow.

Photography: Levi Nazarov