New Sefer Torah Dedicated in Moscow for the Wellbeing of Israeli Hostages 

On Friday afternoon, a joyous siyum sefer torah was held as the Marina Roshcha shul in Moscow. The Sefer Torah was commissioned by Mr. Akiva Nissan Volf Astrov in response to the atrocities of Simchas Torah and in merit of the safe return of the hostages in captivity.

In a moving ceremony held on Erev Shabbos Parshas Lech-Lecha, a new Sefer Torah was completed and dedicated to the central Marina Roshcha Shul in Moscow. Donated by Mr. Akiva Nissan Volf Astrov, a longtime member and supporter of the community, the Sefer Torah was commissioned in response to the atrocities that took place last year’s Simchas Torah in Israel, l’ilui nishmas the kedoshim who were killed and for the safe return of the hostages.

After the last letter was written to complete the Sefer Torah, Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar, praised Mr. Astrov’s devotion and commitment to Yiddishkeit. Rabbi Lazar highlighted Mr. Astrov as an exemplary figure for Jewish businessmen who live a life of Torah and mitzvos.

After the donor lifted the Sefer Torah, the communitydirector, Rabbi Mordechai Weissberg, led the kehila in escorting the Sefer Torah to the Aron HaKodesh with uplifting niggunim and lively dancing. As Shabbos began, the Sefer Torah was placed in the Aron HaKodesh, to be read the following day. On Shabbos morning, the donor was honored with the seventh aliyah and recited a Kaddish for the neshamah of his mother, whose yahrzeit was observed that week. Rabbi Lazar, as is customary, was honored with maftir.

Upon returning the Sefer Torah to the Aron HaKodesh, the shul erupted in song, singing the classic song, “Sisu vesimchu besimchas Torah us’nu kavod laTorah.” The singing and dancing continued even after the Sefer Torah was placed in the Aron HaKodesh. The celebration continued at a festive farbrengen following musaf.

Photos by Alex Rashko