Jewish Life Flourishes in Formerly Closed City in Western Russia

Rabbi David and Anya Yakub are bringing new energy to the historic Jewish community in Dzerzhinsk, on the Volga River in western Russia.

This region has fascinating Jewish roots. Because the city is central to Russia’s chemical production industry, Dzerzhinsk was historically closed to foreigners, like nearby Nizhny Novgorod, a former Soviet military center.

Now, the Yakubs are bringing Judaism to life in this once-closed community, celebrating Jewish holidays and conducting prayer services regularly, with the community’s new Torah scroll.

The Yakubs run an active youth club, provide dedicated programming for elderly community members, and even operate a kosher cafeteria.

The Yakub’s maintain a unique salt therapy room for treating respiratory and skin conditions, thanks to their location in the chemical-production region.

They even have a weekly television program, “Shalom Dzerzhinsk!”

With big plans for continued development, this growing community is sustaining vibrant Jewish life.