Rabbi Lazar Cancels All Musical Purim Festivities In Russia, Calls For Unity Amid Tragedy

In light of the day of mourning declared in Russia following a terror attack Friday night in Moscow, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, sent instructions to all communities in Russia to cancel all musical events on the holiday of Purim.

Upon learning of the severe tragedy that Moscow experienced on Shabbat night, Rabbi Lazar published a statement to the media in Russia.

“The news of the disaster in Moscow causes us and our entire community a feeling of great sorrow. We share in the grief of the victims’ families and pray for the recovery of the injured. ​The terrorist attack in our capital took place on the eve of Purim – a holiday where we remember the fate of our ancestors, who also faced the threat of destruction, and thank God for saving the innocent and punishing the criminals. The holiday of Purim teaches us that God wants us first of all to show unity in ourselves, to stand by the other’s side. When the forces of good are united, the forces of evil, hatred and fanaticism will be completely defeated.”

“Now we all mourn the victims. Therefore, all the concerts and joyous events planned for Purim are cancelled. But it is all the more important to observe the mitzvot of Purim, because they are intended precisely to strengthen our unity. That is why I call on all Jews to gather tonight and tomorrow in synagogues and community centers to read the Book of Esther and observe all the mitzvot of the holiday.
And thanks to this, we will be assured that God will help us and protect us from the oppressive manna of our generation.”