Visit of Israel’s Chief Rabbi Leaves Deep Impression on Moscow
The Jewish community of Moscow is deeply moved by the recent visit of the Rishon LeZion, HaGaon Rabbi David Yosef, Shlita, Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Great Rabbinical Court.
During his intensive two-day stay in the Russian capital, he participated in a range of meaningful events that left a powerful and lasting impact on all who encountered him.
Rabbi Yosef arrived at the invitation of the organizers of the annual 19th of Kislev celebration, where he served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker. Thousands of participants—from every segment of Moscow’s Jewish community and from communities across Russia—attended the event, widely regarded as the central and unifying gathering of the year.
As is tradition, the event was opened by Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaGaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, Shlita, who delivers the main address annually and stands at the head of the celebration.
In his stirring remarks to the massive audience, Rabbi Yosef said:
“I came here to express, on behalf of the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, our deep appreciation to the Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaGaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, for his devoted and tireless work on behalf of every Jew in Russia and beyond.
Here in Moscow, thank God, there are yeshivot, TalmudeiTorah, and flourishing Jewish life—all thanks to one extraordinary person, the Chief Rabbi, a righteous and dedicated leader.
When he first arrived here, it was still under the Iron Curtain. He endured tremendous hardship in those early years, even literal hunger. And today we see the fulfillment of the verse: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’ We see a thriving Jewish renaissance here.”
Throughout his visit, Rabbi Yosef welcomed countless individuals seeking guidance and blessings.
He personally toured educational institutions and the Jewish Chesed Center, witnessing firsthand the remarkable revival of Jewish life in Russia. He offered heartfelt blessings to the shluchim and all those dedicated to this sacred work.
At the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue, the gabbaim surprised him with the iconic chair of his father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt”l—the very seat from which he delivered his legendary lectures to tens of thousands. Two local benefactors, who currently safeguard the chair, brought it especially in his honor.
Rabbi Yosef also participated in an extended session of the Beis Din with the Chief Rabbi and the dayanim of Russia’s Chief Rabbinate. The wide-ranging halachic deliberation was led by Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren, secretary of the Chief Rabbinate of Russia and Rabbi of the Noviye Veshky community.
Rabbi Yosef visited the renowned Kashrut Department, receiving a detailed briefing from its head, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marzel. He was shown a selection of the hundreds of products produced under Russia’s premier kosher certification, whose reputation is known worldwide.
A major reception was held at the Kavkaz Jewish Community Center, hosted by community president Mr. German Zakharyaev. The gathering began with a packed Maariv service.
In his remarks, Rabbi Yosef urged all Jews in Russia to act solely under the halachic authority of the mara d’atra, Rabbi Lazar, and warned against conducting weddings or conversions outside the framework of the Chief Rabbinate.
Rabbi Yosef then continued to the Bolshaya Bronnaya Synagogue, warmly received by Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan, and the following morning prayed Shacharit at the Zhukovka Synagogue, hosted by Rabbi Alexander Boroda.
He delivered an inspiring shiur to students of the Tiferes Bochurim Yeshiva, alongside Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Drutz, and tested the smicha-track students at the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva, joined by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Menachem Mendel Goldberg, Smicha Institute head Rabbi David Rosenzweig, and yeshiva director Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar.
A special luncheon and reception for community leaders was held at the home of the host—the Chief Rabbi of Russia, shlita.
The moment carried deep historical resonance: it took place precisely fifty years after a similar reception was held for Rabbi Yosef’s father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, during his historic visit to Milan, Italy, at the home of Rabbi Moshe Lazar, shlita, one of Italy’s foremost rabbis and the father of Russia’s Chief Rabbi.
At the Knizhniki Jewish Publishing House, editor-in-chief and community chairman Rabbi Boruch Gorin showcased a collection of nearly one thousand Jewish books written or translated into Russian and distributed throughout the Russian-speaking world.
Later, at the Schneerson Library inside the Jewish Museum, Rabbi Yosef viewed rare and precious volumes, spending considerable time examining them with great interest.
Throughout the visit, Rabbi Yosef was accompanied by his devoted son, the head of the Yechave Da’at institutions in Israel.
The visit left an unforgettable impression on Moscow’s Jewish community—especially on those who merited to receive a blessing or a word of guidance from the revered Rishon LeZion.
Photography: Levi Nazarov
