History in Moldova: New Chief Rabbi Formally Inaugurated

In a historic ceremony attended by Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Kalman Ber, senior rabbis, Jewish community leaders and guests from several countries, Chabad emissary Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod was formally inaugurated as Chief Rabbi of Moldova.

Rabbi Axelrod, who was born and raised in Atlit, Israel, is the grandson of the late Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, the first Chief Rabbi of Moldova following the fall of the Soviet Union. Rabbi Abelsky arrived in Moldova in 1989 as an emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and played a central role in rebuilding Jewish life in the country.

Following his grandfather’s passing approximately 12 years ago, Rabbi Axelrod came to Moldova and began serving the country’s Jewish population. Over the years, local community members as well as the many Jewish travelers passing through Moldova each year have come to know his dedication to Jewish life and to the needs of individuals and families. In recent years, he had already been serving in practice as the country’s chief rabbi; the new appointment formally establishes him in the position.

The inauguration followed a special election held on May 3, 2026, when representatives and rabbis of Moldova’s Jewish communities gathered in Chisinau. Rabbi Axelrod was elected by a majority to serve as Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova.

President Maia Sandu sent a special letter of congratulations for the occasion, noting the significance of Rabbi Axelrod’s years of service and the longstanding contribution of Moldova’s Jewish community to the country. She expressed her commitment to cooperation, mutual respect and interfaith understanding, and wished the new Chief Rabbi “success, wisdom and strength” in carrying out his mission.

The ceremony took place in Chisinau’s historic synagogue, a building deeply connected with the revival of Jewish life in Moldova. Opening the event, Rabbi Alexander Prochansky recalled growing up in Chisinau and his own childhood connection with Rabbi Zalman Abelsky. He described how Rabbi Abelsky performed his brit milah and recalled the years when Jewish traditions were practiced quietly under the Soviet regime.

Rabbi Zushe Abelsky, son of Rabbi Zalman Abelsky and Chief Chabad Emissary to Moldova, then addressed the gathering. After blessing those present with Birkat Kohanim, he spoke about his father’s legacy and the growth of Chabad’s activities throughout Moldova. He also recalled the extensive humanitarian assistance provided by the Jewish community to thousands of displaced Jewish families who arrived in or passed through Moldova during the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Rabbi Abelsky thanked the five families of Chabad emissaries who serve Jewish communities across Moldova around the clock.

Alexander Bilinkis, President of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova, welcomed the distinguished guests and recalled entering the same synagogue as a 10-year-old boy, describing it as his first meaningful encounter with Judaism. “Rabbi Zalman Abelsky revived Jewish life here as an emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe,” Bilinkis said, noting that his grandson, the newly appointed Chief Rabbi, is now continuing that legacy.

Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Peles, a member of the leadership of the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), recited chapters of Tehillim, followed by greetings from Israel’s Ambassador to Moldova, Yoram Elron, who congratulated Rabbi Axelrod and praised his years of work on behalf of Moldova’s Jews.

The keynote address was delivered by Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Kalman Ber, who spoke warmly about the significance of the appointment and the responsibility of bringing Jewish knowledge and tradition to every community. Rabbi Ber, who currently serves as Israel’s Chief Rabbi and President of the Chief Rabbinical Council, also praised Rabbi Zushe Abelsky for continuing the mission begun by his father and recognized Rabbi Aryeh Goldberg, CEO of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, for his work strengthening Jewish communities across the continent.

The emotional high point of the evening was the formal inauguration ceremony. Rabbi Moshe Axelrod, father of the new Chief Rabbi, joined Rabbi Kalman Ber and Rabbi Meir Stambler, CEO of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, in assisting Rabbi Axelrod as he wrapped himself in a new tallit and recited the Shehecheyanu blessing. Many in the synagogue were visibly moved by the historic moment.

Among the distinguished guests were Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Merkos 302; Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine; Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs, Chief Rabbi of the Netherlands; Rabbi Rafael Shaffer, Chief Rabbi of Romania; Rabbi David Nachshon, Chairman of Tzivos Hashem and Chabad Mobile Centers; Rabbi Menachem Mendel Nachshon, Chief Rabbi of Nof HaGalil; Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Raskin of London; and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Glitzenstein, Chabad emissary and rabbi of Chernivtsi.

In his inaugural address, Rabbi Axelrod spoke of the profound responsibility he now carries and pledged to continue dedicating himself to Jewish life throughout Moldova. “I am deeply moved by the great responsibility placed upon my shoulders,” he said, expressing his determination to bring the light of Judaism to every Jewish home.

The inauguration marked both the continuation of a family legacy stretching back to Moldova’s Jewish revival more than three decades ago and a new chapter for the country’s Jewish communities, with Rabbi Axelrod formally assuming responsibility for strengthening Jewish identity, education and communal life throughout Moldova.