Moscow’s Torah Center Hosts Moving Evening Honoring the Lubavitcher Rebbe
A warm and inspiring gathering dedicated to the legacy and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, was held at the Amphitheater Hall of the Moscow Jewish Community Center on the eve of the 3rd of Tammuz, the Rebbe’s yahrtzeit. Organized by the Torah Center as part of its annual programming, the evening brought together community members for reflection, personal stories, music, and renewed connection to the Rebbe’s enduring guidance.
From the first moments, guests were immersed in the atmosphere of a Soviet-era Jewish home. A carpet on the wall, a black-and-white television, and period-style furniture helped recreate the setting of a time when preserving Jewish identity and observing mitzvot required deep courage, devotion, and faith. The setting gave participants a tangible sense of the spiritual strength shown by Jews who remained connected to Torah and Jewish life under difficult circumstances.
A special guest of the evening was Chief Rabbi of Kazan and Tatarstan Rabbi Yitzchak Gorelik, who traveled to Moscow to take part in the program. In his address, Rabbi Gorelik spoke about recognizing the Rebbe’s presence and care in everyday life, and about finding strength, direction, and encouragement in the Rebbe’s teachings today.
The most emotional part of the evening came through the personal story shared by Rabbi Daniel Ash and Mrs. Ella Verzub. The brother and sister spoke with sincerity and warmth about their family’s journey, moving many in the audience to tears. A particularly powerful moment followed when their father, a former Soviet-era refusenik who endured difficult trials while continuing to see the miracles of the Almighty in his life, addressed the audience. His words brought the hall to a profound silence and became one of the most symbolic moments of the gathering.
The evening was led by renowned lecturer and scholar Rabbi Moshe Rochlin. Its atmosphere was further elevated by heartfelt niggunim and Jewish melodies performed by Rabbi Mendel Kleinberg and Ilya Loleit, whose music brought warmth, unity, and spiritual depth to the program.
Similar gatherings in honor of the 3rd of Tammuz were held throughout the former Soviet Union, with hundreds of events taking place in synagogues, Jewish community centers, educational institutions, and informal community programs. Together, these events drew tens of thousands of Russian-speaking Jews, many of whom feel a deep and personal connection to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his enduring legacy. For FSU Jewry, the Rebbe’s influence remains especially profound, having shaped the revival of Jewish life across the region and continuing to inspire generations with faith, resilience, and commitment to Judaism.
