Jewish Ulyanovsk Welcomes New Torah Scroll in Historic Celebration

The Jewish community of Ulyanovsk, Russia, marked a momentous occasion last month with the dedication of a new Torah scroll — a deeply meaningful event that coincided with the 35th anniversary of the community’s founding.

The Torah was graciously donated by Mr. Semyon Eduardovich Birarov, a longtime friend of the community, in loving memory of his father, Mr. Eduard Semyonovich. Traveling from afar especially for the ceremony, Mr. Birarov added personal significance to an already historic day.

The historic celebration brought together hundreds of local community members and guests from around the world.

The final letters of the scroll were inscribed during a communal ceremony, followed by the sounding of the shofar by the city’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Benny Markowitz. Rabbi Markowitz also addressed the gathering during the festive mitzvah meal that concluded the event, expressing his gratitude to Mr. Igor Amnerovich Dvakarov, head of the community, who has led it since its founding.