Central Gmach of the Former Soviet Union To Mark a Quarter Century
A spirit of anticipation is palpable within Moscow’s large and vibrant Jewish community as preparations intensify for the annual Melaveh Malkah in support of the Central Gmach serving the rabbanim, shluchim, and Jewish communities throughout the countries of the Former Soviet Union.
This year’s event marks a significant milestone: twenty-five years since the establishment of the Gmach—a true celebration. For a quarter of a century, the fund has provided steady, dignified assistance to those in need, offering support day in and day out with warmth, discretion, and respect.
The Melaveh Malkah is traditionally held each year close to the date of 15 Adar—Shushan Purim—the yahrtzeit of the young shluchah, Chaya Mushka a”h, daughter of ybl”ch the Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaRav Berel Lazar shlita. In her memory and as a zechus for her pure neshamah, this major fund was founded. In the spirit of “mosif v’holech”—constantly increasing in holiness and impact—the Gmach has grown exponentially since its inception and today stands as one of the largest and most impactful free-loan funds in the Jewish world.
In anticipation of this year’s landmark celebration, the fund’s leadership and event organizers—together with the administration of the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center of Moscow, under whose umbrella the Gmach operates—have devoted extensive effort to creating an inspiring and meaningful program. The evening will both express heartfelt appreciation to the many donors and friends of the fund and reinforce the timeless truth: “Im ein kemach, ein Torah”—without material support, Torah cannot flourish. The mitzvah of gemilus chassadim is both a privilege and an obligation incumbent upon every Jew.
During the advanced planning stages, the organizers heard powerful words from the founder and president of the fund, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar. He cited the well-known teaching of the Midrash Tanchuma (Parshas Mishpatim), in which Dovid HaMelech asks: If Hashem possesses all power and can provide every creature with its needs, why does the world contain both wealthy individuals and those who are poor, ill, or in need? Why does Hashem not make the world equal?
Hashem responds: If so, “Chessed v’emes man yintzeruhu?”—who would preserve kindness and truth? If all were wealthy, or all were poor, who would have the opportunity to perform acts of chessed?
The Midrash teaches that the attribute of chessed is necessary for both rich and poor alike. When a wealthy individual extends generosity to one in need, he himself is showered with chessed from Above and is elevated—“Ki sisa es rosh”—he is uplifted. In truth, the act of kindness benefits the giver even more than the recipient. The benefactor not only fills the material lack of another, but through the very act of giving, he himself is spiritually enriched and raised to greater heights.
This year’s event will be held in a large hall near the neighborhood of Marina Roshcha and is expected to draw prominent philanthropists, devoted supporters, partners, and members of the broader community—many of whom have themselves benefited from the fund’s assistance. Indeed, the vast majority of rabbanim and shluchim throughout the region, along with countless others, have been helped by the Gmach over the years and will now have the opportunity to express their deep appreciation for this remarkable gem among the many distinguished chesed institutions in Moscow—organizations that are mekadesh Shem Shamayim day after day.
