Renewed Mikvah Opens in the City of Bryansk, Russia

The city of Bryansk, located on the banks of the Desna River about five hours from Moscow, has experienced a renaissance since the arrival of the Shliach Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zaklas to serve the city’s Jewish community. Step by step, he has been leading the local Jewish community to rejuvenate its spirit, and together with the community’s leaders, restore the historical beauty and glory of this important city’s Jewish heritage.

Following the restoration and rededication of the magnificent synagogue—which inspired many Jewish families to join in prayer and community activities—and under the guidance and direction of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, a new initiative was launched to fully renovate and restore the community’s mikvah.

Thanks to the generosity of friends of the community from around the world—chief among them the “770 Russia” Foundation, headed by Rabbi Yehuda Davidov—the idea took shape with the close halachic supervision of the Mikvah Department of the Chief Rabbinate of Russia, under the devoted oversight of Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren, secretary of the Rabbinate, who tirelessly travels throughout Russia to ensure the halachic integrity of the country’s many mikvahs.

Originally built about fifteen years ago, the mikvah underwent a complete reconstruction and modernization. Upon completion of the extensive renovation, it was officially reopened in an emotional ceremony attended by dozens of members of the local Jewish community, who celebrated the wonderful news that the mikvah will serve not only the city’s Jews but also residents of the wider region.

The festive ceremony was attended by rabbis from neighboring cities and distinguished guests, including the honored visitor Rabbi David Derli of Tiberias, a noted philanthropist and builder of Torah and education, who contributed significantly to the renovation project. Also in attendance was the local Shliach to Oryol, Rabbi Alexander Kotler.

During the celebratory meal held in the synagogue hall, community leaders and supporters offered words of blessing. The city’s rabbi, Rabbi Zaklas, said: “This is a very special day for our entire community. With hearts full of gratitude to the Almighty, we celebrate the reopening of this beautiful mikvah. May this sacred place bring purity, spiritual renewal, and blessing to every family.”

In addition to serving as the city’s rabbi and Shliach, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zaklas is also a skilled mohel who regularly travels throughout Russia. He takes every opportunity to meet Jewish families, promote the observance of family purity, and connect them with the many Chabad rabbis and emissaries spread across this vast country.