Chief Rabbi of Israel Sends Message to Russia’s President Mr. Vladimir Putin

Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Yosef to Russia’ Chief Rabbi: “Please thank the President of Russia in my name, for his help and assistance to the Jewish communities in Russia”. Thanks to your efforts and the President’s assistance, thousands of Jews are returning to their roots.”

The Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, arrived with a delegation of Rabbis from Russia to meet with Israel’s Chief Rabbi, the Rishon LeTziyon, Rabbi Yosef, in his offices.

During the meeting, Rabbi Lazar shared with Israel’s Chief Rabbi, the current situation of Kashrut in Russia. To date, there are a few hundred food factories and dozens of restaurants and cafes that are under the meticulous supervision of the Chief Rabbinate’s Vaad HaKashrus.

Additionally, Rabbi Lazar described the development of community life, and how much is being done to ease Jewish life in Russia: building mikvas, founding an educational system, and more.

Rabbi Lazar told Rabbi Yosef, that with Mr. Putin’s assistance, an historical shul in the Crimean city of Simferopol was returned and rebuilt, now serving the city’s Jews, where there has been a new shliach for the last two years.

Rabbi Yosef took great interest in how Russia’s Jewish communities are being treated, and requested that Rabbi Lazar convey his gratitude and appreciation to Russia’s President Mr. Vladimir Putin for his ongoing support and assistance to the Jewish communities.

Russia’s Chief Rabbi introduced Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marzel to Israel’s Chief Rabbi. Rabbi Marzel heads the Vaad HaKashrus which is under the Chief Rabbinate of Russia.

Also present at the meeting was Rabbi Lazar’s father, Rabbi Moshe Lazar, a prominent Rabbi and Shliach in Italy, who had the privilege of hosting Israel’s previous Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef O.B.M. in his home.

He was joined by two of Rabbi Berel Lazar’s sons who serve as Rabbis in the cities of Simferopol and Krasnodar.
The esteemed Rabbi Yosef praised the Rabbis and their holy work, and encouraged them to continue expanding their important activities throughout Russia in general, and Moscow specifically.

He reminisced about his father, the former Chief Rabbi, Ovadia Yosef O.B.M. who often quoted halachic decisions based on the Alter Rebbe, the Baal HaTanya’s questions and answer, as well as his grandson, the Rebbe Tzemach Tzedek’s rulings.

He continued speaking highly of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s genius, which is evident in his halachic rulings regarding boat travel on Shabbos, the International Date Line, and more.

In conclusion,the Rishon leTziyon was presented with a compilation of Chidushei Torah written by students of Moscow’s five yeshivos “Tomchei Tmimim”, as well as a Kosher Guide published by the Vaad HaKashrus, listing the hundreds of kosher food items, restaurants, and companies that are under the meticulous supervision of Russia’s Chief Rabbinate.