Governor Pledges Half Million Rubles for New Center

Nearly 1,000 people attended a lively Chanukah concert in Ulyanovsk, Russia. The Event was titled “Chanukah – Man of the Year,” and was dedicated to raising money for a new Jewish community center.

The event began with a speech by Chief rabbi of the city, Rabbi Yossi Marozov, followed by the lighting of a large silver menorah.

During the event, nine nominees were awarded “Man of the Year” for the great work they do for the Jewish community of Ulyanovsk. The awards included “Sponsor of the year,” “Volunteer of the year,” “Young activist,” “Most active board member,” “Devoted Gabbai and Chazzan” and new community position – “Chevra Kadisha.”

The Governor of Ulyanovsk, Sergei Ivanovich Morozov, appeared on stage during the event. He spoke of his close relationship with the Jewish community and encouraged the crowd to donate towards the building of the new Jewish Center. He pledged on his own to give half a milllion rubles ($16,000) for the cause.