World’s Tallest Chabad House Inaugurated at Russia’s International Center
In the heart of the capital, in the “Moscow City” neighborhood, Russia’s new skyscrapers soar up to the heavens. They include an international business center spread over the underground and aboveground parts, with thousands of offices and residential buildings, where hundreds of thousands of people, including many Jewish businessmen, pass through and work every day.
With the rapid development of the place, alongside the massive construction around it and the expansion of the entire “City”, the need to develop the Jewish spot that began operating in the area a few years ago was felt.
It began with the establishment of an active shul in the ‘Afi-Mall’ shopping center belonging to philanthropist Reb Levi Leviev, and continued with the opening of a Chabad House five years ago by Rabbi Yosef Moshe Weisberg.
On the occasion of purchasing their permanent location, on the 27th floor of the central tower in the area, the place was renovated and adapted to accommodate the many activities with business people, Jewish families living in the area, and Jewish youth. Davening and meals on Shabbat and Jewish holidays are still held in the existing synagogue on the ground floor.
In an intimate and impressive ceremony, the mezuzahs were put up by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, philanthropist Reb Levi Leviev, philanthropist Rabbi Yehuda Davidov, the President of the Federation of Jewish Communities, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, the Director of the Jewish Community and the father of the local Shliach, Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg. The shofar was blown on the occasion of the month of Elul, by Rabbi Zvi Ruderman, Director of the Chabad House in Shuk Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem, and father In law of Rabbi Moshe Yosef Weisberg.
The guests were wowed by the beautiful new place and were amazed by the breathtaking views visible from its windows. Blessings were conveyed for its activities to grow and expand with the large Jewish population that works and lives in the area. This Chabad House joins dozens of Chabad houses in the Russian capital, which, together with all the educational institutions, provide a rich variety of programs for the many Jews living and working there.
