Russia Prepares for Visit of Rabbi David Yosef Shlita, Israel’s Chief Rabbi
In the offices of Moscow’s “Marina Roscha Jewish Community Center and Shul”, an extensive team of community leaders and activists has been working in preparation for the arrival of the Rishon LeZion and Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef Shlita, who is expected to arrive in Russia immediately after Shabbat Parshat Vayishlach, for a visit to strengthen Yiddishkeit and the Jews of the country.
The visit, which is scheduled to last three days, will be entirely focused on the development of the many communities, shuls, and educational institutions that are growing in the capital, Moscow, under the guidance and leadership of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar. The friendship between the two Torah scholars in halachic matters has been strong for many years, for the benefit of Russian Jews and those immigrating from Russia to the Holy Land.
The main event at which the distinguished guest will speak will take place on Tuesday, the 19th of Kislev, to mark the Chag HaGeulah – the day that Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Baal HaTanya and founder of Chabad Chassidus, was released from imprisonment in the city of St. Petersburg. This day has been celebrated as a holiday every year since then throughout the world, and especially in Russia, where his imprisonment and miraculous redemption took place.
Over two thousand people are expected to participate in this major event, which will be held in one of the largest halls in the city, in a carefully planned program that will encourage the entire public to strengthen their commitment to Torah and their Jewish Heritage.
The Malchus Choir and the orchestra of Rabbi Mendy Brandwin will accompany the grand event, along with musicians Rabbi Yaakov Daskal, Rabbi Moshe Luke, child prodigy Ari Kraus, and local violinists, who together will sing and play the holy niggunim of the Baal Ha-Geulah, bringing joy to all participants, in fulfillment of the Baal Ha-Geulah’s promise, “He who rejoices in my joy, I will bring out of darkness into light.”
The esteemed guest is also expected to visit some of the many educational institutions, deliver lectures and words of encouragement, and participate in a meeting of the Beis Din led by the Chief Rabbi of Russia. The rabbis and dayanim will discuss serious issues such as birur Yahadus, conversions, and kashrus, in light of the constant connection between the Beis Din in Israel and the Beis Din in Russia.
The organizers are confident that the visit will uplift Russian Jews, as the distinguished guest will witness firsthand how Judaism is flourishing in a country that, just a few decades ago, persecuted Jews, and today openly supports Jewish communities and their leaders, and serves as an example for the whole world, in expressions of respect and appreciation for the Jewish people.
