Chief Rabbi of Russia’s Makes Impressive Visit to the City of Samara

Last Thursday, the large city of Samara in southwestern Russia celebrated a joyous day with the arrival of Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, shlit”a. Even though his visit lasted only one day, the distinguished guest left a profound impression on the city’s Jewish community and the municipality’s leaders.

The philanthropist Michael Lesinski, whose family traces its roots to Samara, accompanied Rabbi Lazar on the flight from Moscow. For several years, Mr. Lesinski has been one of the leading supporters of the extensive renovation of the Great Synagogue, alongside many other generous partners, with plans to complete the project in about two years.

The synagogue was originally constructed in 1908 (5668), with seating for some 1,000 congregants. The three-story building, adorned with distinctively Jewish architectural elements, was a beacon of strength and growth for Samara’s Jewish community, which at its height was among the most prominent ones in Russia.

In 1923 (5683), however, the congregants were forced to submit an official request to the authorities, saying they wished to repurpose the building for the city’s cultural use, as they “no longer needed it for prayer.” Shortly afterward, the building was converted into a bakery, which operated for decades. The intense heat caused severe damage, including the destruction of the eastern wall. The grand building’s beauty was left in ruins.

About 26 years ago, the governor of Samara at the time was deeply moved by the chief rabbi’s visit to the site and declared his intention to present the building as a gift. He led the chief rabbi to the city center, where a red-brick structure stood in ruins, a shadow of its former grandeur and Jewish identity.

Observing this “City of G-d” in a state of disgrace and abandonment, the chief rabbi sighed deeply. The governor said it was time to reclaim the synagogue and assist in its restoration. The chief rabbi envisioned the fulfillment of the verse: “The glory of this last House shall be greater than the first one” (Haggai 2:9).

Due to complex bureaucracy, engineering challenges, and the painstaking work of restoring original details, the process faced significant delays. Rabbi Shlomo Deitch, the city’s shliach and rabbi, has led the multifaceted effort, which has achieved a major milestone with broad support from all the stakeholders.

A heartfelt reception for the chief rabbi was held at the Or Avner Day School, which has been managed for more than two decades with great dedication by Rebbetzin Deitch. Hundreds of the school’s alumni are raising strong Jewish families. 

After Mincha prayers with the schoolchildren, Rabbi Deitch accompanied the chief rabbi to the Great Synagogue in the city center, which had been cleaned and prepared for the event.

The chief rabbi was greeted by the regional governor and his deputy, the mayor, municipal officials, architects, engineers, and many media representatives who were covering the significant visit. During the hour-and-a-half tour, the guests reviewed the progress made so far, the restoration and reconstruction efforts, and the plans for the building’s grand completion, including new wings and halls to serve the large Jewish community of thousands of families.

The governor then invited the chief rabbi to drive with him to City Hall, known as the “White Building,” for an official reception in his office, followed by a glatt kosher meal prepared by the Jewish school.

Before returning to the airport, the chief rabbi met with many young Jewish residents of the city, offering them blessings and encouraging them to grow in their Jewish lives and build strong Jewish homes. Under a snowy sky, with heartfelt chassidic dancing outside the White Building, this memorable visit concluded, leaving a lasting impression on Samara’s Jewish community.