Evening of Appreciation for Friends and Supporters of Moscow’s Central Shul

Sunday night, the 15th of Teves, at the historical Metropol Hotel near Moscow’s Red Square, an annual tribute was held for friends and supporters of the Marina Roscha Shul under the leadership of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar. Sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe 35 years ago to Moscow, he turned the small wooden shack into a large impressive building full of Torah, Tefilla and Chessed, a beacon of light for all of Russian Jewry.

The shul serves hundreds and thousands throughout the year with Tefilos around the clock, Torah and Chassidus classes from the best teachers and lecturers, chavrusa learning, Jewish simchas, and a plethora of activities available for all. Guests who come from far and wide are always greeted with a smile. The shul’s many projects and programs are available thanks to the constant support of supporters and friends, those who see from up close how full of life the shul is, and how the dedicated gabbais do not stop for a minute, constantly thinking up new programs and events, taking care of every detail with each yom tov and chag to make them special and to create a Kiddush Hashem.

Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, Director of Moscow’s Jewish Communities, called up each of the supporters to thank them publicly and presented them with acertificate of appreciation and a new sefer. Special thanks were expressed to the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Russia, Rabbi Alexander Boroda for his constant support.

The event was combined with an exquisite Sheva Brachos in honor of the daughter of Rabbi Lazar and her chosson Rabbi Boruch Naftoli Wilhelm, son of Rabbi Yitzchok Wilhelm, the librarian to the Rebbe’s library in 770. The wedding, which took place last Wednesday made a big Kiddush Hashem with many hundreds in attendance, including government representatives for whom it was their first time seeing a chuppa and a traditional Jewish wedding.

Singers and musicians Reb Moshe Dovid Weismandel and Reb Menachem Mendel Sofer sang and danced and made it a truly joyous occasion.

Photography: Levi Nazarov