From Dawn Until Midnight: Moscow’s Giant Sukkah Hosts Record-Breaking Hospitality Operation

It is six in the morning at the plaza of the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue in Moscow. As the Russian capital slowly awakens to a chilly autumn morning, the magnificent giant Sukkah is already bustling with activity.

The aromas of hot food rising from the “Grisha’s Zimmer” hospitality room mingle with the sounds of community members arriving at the complex. Jewish residents from across Moscow stream into the Sukkah, beginning their day with Chassidus study, warm food, and the atmosphere of Zman Simchaseinu.

Under the direction of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, tremendous efforts are being made to ensure that no Jew remains hungry or alone throughout the Yom Tov.

The “Grisha’s Zimmer” hospitality room has consequently been operating almost continuously, from 6:00 a.m. until after midnight. Dedicated kitchen staff work throughout the day and night to prepare a steady supply of fresh meals, hot dishes, refreshments, and activities for children, providing a welcoming environment for the many visitors passing through the Sukkah.

Alongside the hospitality operation, the synagogue lobby became a bustling marketplace for the Daled Minim. Shluchim, community members, philanthropists, and visitors from across Russia came to select Mehadrin sets for Yom Tov.

A special highlight was the arrival of approximately 400 premium Calabria Esrogim, which were specially shipped from Italy by Rabbi Moshe Lazar, the elder of the Shluchim, for the rabbis and Shluchim throughout Russia. The Esrogim were carefully examined by the Chief Rabbi as part of the preparations for the Mitzvah.

Following the conclusion of the first days of Yom Tov on Sunday night, the large Sukkah came alive with the sounds of a spirited Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebration. A lively Chassidic orchestra accompanied the dancing as the celebration continued late into the night.

The joy soon spilled beyond the walls of the Sukkah and into the streets of Moscow, with spirited dancing bringing the atmosphere of Simchas Beis Hashoeva to the surrounding area.

The dancing eventually gave way to Chassidic farbrengens that continued into the early hours of the morning, extending the spirit of the Yom Tov long after the formal celebrations had ended.

The scenes in Moscow reflected the words of Chazal: “Whoever has not seen the joy of Simchas Beis Hashoeva has never seen joy in his life.”

Photography: Levi Nazarov