Historic Preparations Underway in Moscow Ahead of the High Holidays

As the month of Elul begins in the Russian capital, Jewish Moscow is preparing for the Yomim Tovim with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. This year’s preparations carry particular historical significance, as the community approaches the 100th anniversary of the historic Maamar “VeKiblu HaYehudim,” delivered by the Rebbe Rayatz, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, in Moscow on Purim Katan 5687 (1927).

The Maamar was delivered during one of the darkest periods of Soviet persecution and called for mesiras nefesh—self-sacrifice—for the education of Jewish children and the preservation of Torah and Yiddishkeit. The Rebbe Rayatz was subsequently arrested and sentenced to death, a decree that was ultimately overturned following international pressure.

A century later, the Jewish community in Moscow is marking the historic milestone through a renewed emphasis on Torah, education and the strengthening of Jewish life.

Ahead of Shabbos Selichos and the Yomim Tovim, extensive renovations have been completed at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue, reflecting the continued growth of the Jewish community.

During the summer, significant work was carried out in the main sanctuary. A partition separating the two sections of the shul was removed, opening up the expanded space and allowing the community to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

The renovations also included a new lighting system, upgrades to the electrical and air-conditioning systems, and improvements to the building’s main entrance.

Plans are also underway to expand the synagogue’s main Sukkah in the plaza. Engineering assessments are currently being conducted to ensure that the Sukkah will be able to accommodate the large crowds expected during Sukkos.

Alongside the physical improvements, significant emphasis is being placed on spiritual preparation for the Yomim Tovim.

Under the guidance of Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar, the centenary year of the Rebbe Rayatz’s mesiras nefesh Maamar is being marked with an increased focus on Torah study and Jewish education, in the spirit of “Kiyemu v’Kiblu.”

A special series of Halacha classes has recently been launched at the Central Synagogue, focusing on the laws and customs of the Yomim Tovim of Tishrei and helping community members prepare for the upcoming month.

A comprehensive Halachic guide has also been published for the month of Tishrei, covering the laws and customs from Shabbos Selichos through Shabbos Bereishis. The guide is being distributed among thousands of Jews throughout Moscow.

Another initiative is a special CD featuring selections from the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur davening.

Produced by Chief Cantor Rabbi Dovid Kytak, the recording features the Nusach and traditional melodies used for many years at the Central Synagogue.

The project is intended to help congregants become familiar with the melodies and Nusach before the long Yom Tov davenings. For many community members who did not receive a traditional Jewish education growing up, the recording provides an opportunity to arrive at shul better prepared and more connected to the tefillos.

Additional initiatives are being organized to bring the spirit of the High Holidays to tens of thousands of Jews throughout Moscow.

Preparations are also underway at the Shaarey Tzedek Jewish Kindness Center in the Marina Roscha neighborhood for the annual Kimcha D’Tishrei campaign.

The project will provide food staples and other assistance to those in need, including elderly community members and large families, ensuring that they too can celebrate the Yomim Tovim with dignity and joy.

The combination of expanded synagogue facilities, increased Torah learning, educational initiatives and assistance to those in need reflects the continued growth of Jewish life in Moscow.

Thousands of Jews are expected to gather at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue throughout the month of Tishrei, where they will daven in the newly renovated sanctuary, participate in Torah classes and prepare for a good and sweet new year.

A century after the Rebbe Rayatz’s call for mesiras nefesh in Moscow, the flourishing Jewish community of the Russian capital continues to demonstrate the enduring strength of Torah and Yiddishkeit.

Photo: Mevaser Tov Moscow