Another Synagogue to be Renovated by the Russian Government

Russia is still deeply impressed by the joyful announcement made on the eve of Purim, regarding the decision of the Siberian government to completely renovate the ancient and historic synagogue that the Cantonists built with dedication in the city of Tomsk, Siberia – an announcement that moved not only the Jews of Tomsk, led by the city’s rabbi, Rabbi Levi Kaminetzky, but all of Russian Jewry, who have warm and special feelings for the few such buildings left standing throughout Russia, wooden houses with spectacular carvings, crafted by the legendary Cantonists.

And another joyful announcement came, this time from the city of Simferopol, about a similar government approval for a foundation-to-ceiling renovation of the ancient synagogue in the city center, which was once inhabited by a Reform community, who gradually left, and the place remains empty, but its use is not possible, as the building is in danger of collapse and requires professional and expensive restoration.

During one of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s meetings with the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, a request was submitted to return the building to the Jewish community; he immediately approved it and the president even signed the request letter. Indeed, the process that began then has now ended with the government taking responsibility for the entire renovation – very happy news that from the city of Simferopol in Crimea and spread throughout Russia.

Rabbi of the city of Simferopol and the island of Crimea, Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar, the eldest son of the Chief Rabbi Shlita, is certain that this step will lead to even greater development experienced by the city of Simferopol under the dedicated activities of Rabbi Pinchas Koch and his family, in tandem with all the Jewish communities in the various cities on the large island, especially since Russian citizens have discovered the natural springs, landscapes, and vacation spots that are among the most beautiful in the world, which can be found on the island and thousands come to visit it, including crowds of Jews who find a place to pray, kosher food, and other Jewish needs – through the Jewish communities in Crimea.

These two cases come after much plowing and sowing throughout the largest country in the world, through consistent, multifaceted work by the one who stands at the head of Jewry in Russia, and whose name is growing in importance, he who seeks good for his people and speaks peacefully with those at the head, for the sake of the public and the individual, in order to restore the glory of Russian Jewry.

In the photos: The current state of the building and the design as it will look in the final version after renovations