Winter Grips Moscow: The Warmth of Jewish Life Melts the Snow

Moscow is experiencing one of its snowiest winters in many years. Record snowfall has brought unusual traffic congestion, snowplows immobilized by heavy drifts, and even led the city police to resume horse patrols in place of vehicles. Across the city, thousands of municipal machines work around the clock, clearing major roads and treating icy surfaces before they become dangerous.

Yet amid the cold and darkness, Jewish life across Moscow continues uninterrupted. Shuls and Chabad Centers throughout the city maintain their regular schedules, with daily prayer services and Torah and Chassidus classes. The extensive network of Jewish educational institutions founded by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, welcomes thousands of students every morning — even while the city outside remains wrapped in darkness. They are greeted by hundreds of devoted educators in warm, well-heated buildings, where a calm and uplifting atmosphere melts away both snow and ice.

At the Jewish Chesed Center, Shaarei Tzedek, activity never ceases. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to respond to every request for help. Each morning, dedicated volunteers set out to deliver hot, nourishing meals to the elderly and those living alone, while also repairing broken windows and sealing cracks that could allow life-threatening cold to enter homes.

Photography: Levi Nazarov