Moscow’s Jewish Community Marks Rosh Hashanah With Widespread Prayer and Outreach
The two days of Rosh Hashanah 5787 were marked by large gatherings of Jews throughout Moscow, as synagogues and Chabad Houses across the Russian capital filled with worshippers for holiday prayers, Shofar observances, and communal celebrations.
At the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue, an especially large crowd gathered for the holiday services. Shortly before the beginning of the first day, Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berl Lazar, read a congratulatory letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed to the Jewish community of Russia. The letter had been delivered to Rabbi Lazar’s office that morning and was subsequently distributed to Jewish communities throughout the country.
In his address to the congregation, Rabbi Lazar spoke about the spiritual significance of the new year and encouraged those gathered to strengthen their commitment to Torah study, Yiras Shamayim, Ahavas Yisroel and the observance of mitzvos.
Throughout the holiday, Rabbi Lazar delivered classes and addresses to the community. Hundreds of young Jews participated in separate prayer services and holiday meals at the Shaarey Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center, located a short distance from the Central Synagogue.
On Saturday night, the second night of Rosh Hashanah, large numbers of people lined up at the Central Synagogue for more than an hour to receive a personal blessing from Rabbi Lazar. Each person also received a holiday package containing a pomegranate, an apple and honey to take home.
Across Moscow, numerous minyanim were held in synagogues and Chabad Houses, including in several communities established during the past year. Many of the newer locations reported increased attendance for Rosh Hashanah prayers and the sounding of the Shofar.
The local Shluchim also organized holiday meals and outreach programs, with Jewish families receiving new Jewish calendars and holiday packages in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah. The initiatives were designed to help more Jews reconnect with their Jewish heritage and participate in the mitzvos of the holiday.
Holiday outreach extended beyond the synagogues as well. Bikur Cholim of Moscow distributed festive food packages to Jewish patients in hospitals before the holiday, while volunteers traveled to Jewish inmates to enable them to hear the Shofar.
The traditional Tashlich procession also provided an opportunity for Jewish outreach, with participants encountering Jews along the route and offering them the opportunity to hear the Shofar. The efforts brought the sounds and spirit of Rosh Hashanah to Jews throughout the city.
With the High Holidays now underway, Moscow’s Jewish communities are preparing for Yom Kippur and Sukkos, building on the momentum of a Rosh Hashanah marked by widespread participation and growing Jewish engagement.
Photos: Levy Nazarov
