Thousands Gather for Hoshana Rabbah and Simchas Torah at Moscow’s Central Synagogue
Thousands of Jews gathered at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue in Moscow for Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeres, and Simchas Torah, as the city’s Jewish community marked the conclusion of the Tishrei holidays with prayer, Torah, and joyous hakafos.
The Hoshana Rabbah program began shortly after midnight, with many community members reciting Sefer Tehillim in preparation for the day. The large sukkah at the synagogue remained active throughout the night, with refreshments including hot soup, tea, and apples with honey served to those learning and davening.
By morning, numerous Shacharis minyanim were taking place throughout the synagogue to accommodate the large crowds. The main Hoshana Rabbah minyan was led by Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar.
The davening was accompanied by the celebration of two consecutive Bris Milah ceremonies. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zaklas, mara d’asra and shaliach in Bryansk and a mohel, traveled to Moscow especially for the occasion.
Meanwhile, preparations were underway for the thousands expected to attend the Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah celebrations. The synagogue’s gabbaim and staff worked to reorganize the large sanctuary, including the construction of a massive bimah along the eastern wall. The bimah provided a central location for the Sifrei Torah and community leaders during the hakafos.
New illuminated signs were also installed throughout the synagogue, displaying the number of the current hakafah and helping the large crowd follow the proceedings in an orderly manner.
The highlight came on the night of Simchas Torah, when thousands filled the synagogue for the hakafos. Rabbi Lazar addressed the crowd with words of inspiration and gratitude for the miracles that had taken place in Eretz Yisroel, including the safe return of passengers on a Flydubai flight, which he described as a remarkable miracle.
The dancing and celebrations continued late into the night. At approximately 1:00 a.m., hundreds of participants left the synagogue and continued the celebrations in the streets of Moscow, seeking to spread the joy and spiritual inspiration of Simchas Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue.
On Isru Chag, the large hakafos bimah was dismantled, bringing the holiday celebrations to a close. The scenes of thousands of Jews dancing together at the Marina Roscha Synagogue left the community with lasting memories of achdus, Torah, and Jewish joy as they began the new year of Torah and mitzvos.
Photography: Levi Nazarov
