Chief Rabbi of Russia visits Russian speaking community in Brooklyn’s Bergen Beach

For the first time since it’s founding, the Jewish Russian Community of Brooklyn’s Bergen Beach hosted Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who is now visiting New York for the International Kinnus HaShluchim. He was invited by his former student from Moscow,  the Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Weisberg, who currently serves as the community’s Rabbi and spiritual leader. Since his appointment, the large community continued to grow as more and more Russian speaking Jews found themselves drawn to the place for davening, Torah classes and Jewish holidays in a familiar language.

The esteemed guest was given a tour of the place and an overview of its various projects and services geared for the benefit of residents who arrive from near and far. The main sanctuary was filled from door to door, where he spoke about unity and what it means that all of Israel are interconnected. He shared inspiring stories from the Jewish community of Moscow and how they support and encourage each other, as well as our heroic brothers and sisters in the Holy Land. Being connected means feeling the pain of our brethren as well as participating in their joyous moments. 

The warm and embracing atmosphere was conducive to candid discussion. Many participants allowed themselves to open up and ask questions that had been bothering them for a while. The answers they received gave them clarity and understanding. Later on many went over to ask personal questions and receive wise advice from the Rabbi. Each one left feeling a bit lighter, encouraged, supported. 

Rabbi Weisberg is the son in law of Rabbi Avraham Holtzberg, the Shliach to neighboring Georgetown, who also attended to show his support.  In attendance were the Sefardic Rabbi to Mill Basin Rabbi Yirmi Levi, the Ashkenazic Rabbi Akiva Polchak, as well as the Shliach’s father, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, director of Moscow’s Jewish Communities, who also flew in to the U.S.A for the International Kinus Hashluchim. 

Photography: Itzik Belitzky