Chief Rabbi of Estonia Efraim Shmuel Kot to Receive Order of the White Star

The President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, announced on January 30 that Chief Rabbi of Estonia Efraim Shmuel Kot will be awarded the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class. The state honor recognizes Rabbi Kot’s 25 years of dedicated service to the Jewish community in Estonia and his contribution to its spiritual development. The formal presentation of the award is scheduled to take place at a prestigious ceremony towards the Estonian Independence Day, celebrated on February 24.

Rabbi Kot has served as the Chief Rabbi of Estonia and Chabad emissary since arriving in the country in 2000 with his wife, Chani. Over the past quarter-century, he has played a central role in strengthening religious life and ensuring continuity within the Jewish community.

The nomination for the state award was submitted by the Council of the Jewish Community of Estonia and the Jewish Museum. In its statement, the Council said it “warmly congratulates the Chief Rabbi of Estonia, Efraim Shmuel Kot, on being awarded a high state distinction by decision of the President of the Republic of Estonia — the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class,” noting that it was “especially meaningful” that the Council and the Jewish Museum had the honor of nominating him.

The Council described the recognition as “a well-deserved appreciation of his many years of dedicated service,” thanking Rabbi Kot for his “significant contribution to the spiritual development of the Jewish Community of Estonia,” and wishing him “good health, inspiration, and continued success in his important and noble mission.”

Instituted in 1936, the Order of the White Star is bestowed on Estonian citizens and foreign nationals in recognition of services rendered to the Estonian state.