Second-Hand Shop to Help Moscow’s Poor with Dignity

In preparation for the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach, a new center of the “Yad leYad” organization in Moscow opened its doors in a small yet impressive Chanukas HaBayis ceremony. The center includes a spacious “supermarket” with furniture, and thousands of second-hand items of clothing and shoes for the benefit of large families and the needy.

Every item sold was either donated by individuals, or was surplus received from various stores and clothing factories. This project, the first and only one of its kind in Russia, was started and run by the devoted Mrs. Perry Deitch.

The mezuzah at the main entrance was affixed by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, who personally supports and encourages the promotion of Chesed organizations in Russia in general, and in Moscow in particular under the umbrella of the “Shaarey Tzedek Jewish Charity Center” which runs organizations like “Yad leYad”. An additional mezuzah was affixed by Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, Executive Director of the Marina Roscha Jewish Community Center.

After an extensive tour of the clothing supermarket, and its onsite cleaning and alterations workshop, Rabbi Lazar expressed how impressed he is by the beauty and spaciousness of it all. He noted that the new center will allow those who unfortunately do not have the means to purchase furniture and clothing at regular stores, to shop with dignity and without feeling “needy”.

The Chief Rabbi quoted the Rambam in his speech, about the greatness of giving Tzedaka which can be used immediately. He blessed all those involved in this holy work, and wished them great success in their far-reaching assistance.

Special gifts were presented to the distinguished supporters, thanks to which the special center for the needy was established. President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Russia, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, and Mr. Nathan Lichtenfeld, each received a unique, luxurious set of the four cups of redemption and the cup of Eliyahun HaNavi.

A special exhibition of spectacular photos graced the entrance to the center. The pictures depict Jewish children in Israel performing various mitzvahs connected with the Jewish calendar.

The inauguration event, held at the “Shaarei Tzedek Charity Center” took place while the Passover provision distribution there was in full force, assisting the needy of Moscow, and bringing them festive joy for the Pesach holiday.

Photos by Levi Nazarov