At Minus 28 Degrees Celsius, a new Torah Scroll Inaugurated in Novosibirsk

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A day to rejoice in Novosibirsk.

In a festive event, a new Torah scroll was brought into the city’s “Beit Menachem” synagogue. Taking place at minus 28 degrees Celsius, the inauguration of the new Torah scroll in Novosibirsk can easily enter the Guinness Book of Records for the coldest Torah inauguration ceremony in history. Despite the cold and frost, a large crowd came to rejoice together with the Torah.

The event began with the writing of the last letters of the Torah scroll by the chief rabbi of Novosibirsk, Rabbi Shneor Zalman Zaklas. Next, the participants led the Torah scroll through the streets of the city, with songs and dances that literally warmed them up.

When the parade arrived at the synagogue, the community’s Torah scrolls were taken out of the ark to welcome the new scroll and the crowd danced with them in great joy, in circles around the stage. Following that, a festive meal was served to the participants: dignitaries, rabbis, and members of the local Jewish community.

The new Torah scroll was donated by Mr. Michael Hanin in memory of his father Yaakov Hanin OBM, who was the main contractor for the city’s ‘Beit Menachem’ synagogue.