Historic Torah Scroll Dedication in Taganrog Marks Continued Revival

Just five months after the city’s first-ever Torah Scroll dedication, the Jewish community of Taganrog, Russia, gathered once again for another historic milestone — the inauguration of a second Torah Scroll.

This Torah, written and donated by the family of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissaries to the city — Rabbi Arye Leib Tkach, Rebbetzin Judith Nechama Tkach, and their children Shmuel, Aliza Simcha, and her husband Natan Benzion — was dedicated in memory of their father and grandfather, Izia ben Leib Tkach, and his sons Leonid and Alexander.

More than 120 people participated in the festive ceremony, which included a spirited parade with live music through the streets of Taganrog. Guests traveled from cities across southern Russia, including Moscow, Rostov, Krasnodar, Kislovodsk, and Nalchik, to share in the joyous occasion.

Chief Rabbi of Rostov, Rabbi Chaim Danzinger, who played a pivotal role in reestablishing Jewish life in Taganrog, reflected on the community’s journey: “For decades, the Jews of Taganrog had no synagogue, no rabbi. Jewish life had all but disappeared after the city’s Talmud Torah and synagogue closed in 1924. A few devoted individuals would travel to Rostov for holidays, longing for more. When they asked for help, I called my friend Rabbi Tkach and offered him the mission. He said yes. And today, he brought another Torah back home.”

Since arriving in 2021, Rabbi Tkach and his family have been building a vibrant community from the ground up — offering classes, holiday celebrations, and now, two Torah Scrolls at the heart of Jewish life in Taganrog.