Moscow’s Central Synagogue Sees Massive Yom Kippur Turnout; Chief Rabbi Rabbi Berel Lazar Delivers Powerful Pre-Yizkor Address
A remarkable atmosphere of spiritual awakening was felt throughout the Russian capital during Yom Kippur, as thousands of Jews gathered at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue for the holiest day of the year.
The large synagogue was filled to capacity, with crowds arriving from across Moscow and beyond. Even before Yom Kippur, the number of people participating in Kapparot at the synagogue had grown so large that, late into the night, some were directed to nearby Chabad Houses and to the adjacent charity tent of the central Gemach, where Pidyon Kapparot services continued.
Preparations for the High Holidays had begun earlier in Tishrei. On 6 Tishrei, marking the yahrtzeit of Rebbetzin Chana, approximately 1,000 women participated in a large gathering led by Rebbetzin Lazar. The event included the polishing of Torah crowns, a large challah-baking program and an inspirational gathering, followed by the distribution of lekach by Rabbi Berel Lazar.
In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, numerous Halacha classes were also held by the Torah Classes Center in preparation for the High Holidays.
On Erev Yom Kippur, following Shacharit, Rabbi Lazar distributed lekach and blessings to the many worshippers in the synagogue. For more than an hour, the crowds passed through to receive the traditional piece of cake. More than 1,000 pieces had been prepared in advance by volunteers from the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center.
A special Birkat HaBanim was then held by Rabbi Lazar for students of Moscow’s yeshivos.
Shortly before Yom Kippur, two Jews were entered into the covenant of Avraham Avinu in a moving bris ceremony. The brisos were performed by Mohel Rabbi Mordechai Zvi Solomon, with Rabbi Yehuda Davidov and Ephraim Binyaminov serving as sandakim. Rabbi Lazar subsequently gave the two men Jewish names.
Following a pre-fast meal provided by the Grisha’s Zimmer hospitality organization, worshippers prepared for the onset of Yom Kippur, including the traditional giving of tzedakah.
The Yom Kippur davening was marked by intense concentration and spiritual awakening. Rabbi Yeshayahu Lastov, the synagogue’s shamash, prepared the Sifrei Torah in advance, while additional carpets were brought in for the large crowd during the kneeling portions of Mussaf.
The prayers continued at length, with only a brief 40-minute break between Mussaf and Mincha. The large congregation was led throughout the day by the community director, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg.
Before Yizkor, Rabbi Lazar delivered a powerful 45-minute address, calling on the congregation to strengthen themselves in Ahavat Yisrael, increase in tzedakah and commit themselves to additional acts of goodness and kindness.
The emotional climax came during Neilah, as the packed congregation joined together in the traditional Chabad singing of “Napoleon’s March” before the sounding of the shofar.
Immediately following the conclusion of Yom Kippur, a festive break-fast meal was served to the worshippers throughout the building.
At the same time, preparations for Sukkot began in the synagogue courtyard, where the large central sukkah was quickly erected. This year, construction began immediately following Yom Kippur in anticipation of rain in the coming days.
The preparations continued late into the night, as the community transitioned from the Days of Awe to the joyous preparations for the “Season of Our Rejoicing.”
Photography: Levi Nazarov
