Siberian Community Marks First Chuppa

TOMSK, Russia — For the first time in many decades and perhaps even a century, the Synagogue in Tomsk hosted a genuine Jewish Chuppa. Chief Rabbi of Tomsk Levi Kamenetsky conducted the wedding ceremony in strict accordance with Jewish laws.

Despite outdoor temperatures of minus 25 below zero centigrade, newlyweds Bella and Yevgeny underwent this traditional rite in full merriment. It is no coincidence that they decided to celebrate this occasion in the local Synagogue, since this is the place where they first met one another. On that fateful day, they were both in attendance for a lecture delivered by Rabbi Kamenetsky, who also serves as a Chabad Lubavitch emissary to this part of Russia.

Family and friends of the bride and groom gathered round to share in this joyous event, in addition to other community members who were interested to witness this tradition for the first time ever. After the groom placed a ring on his brides finger and the Rabbi recited blessings over kosher wine, Yevgeny smashed the glass with his foot and traditional sounds of ‘Lechaim’ rang out, initiating an extremely merry party.

“A Jewish wedding is a celebration for the entire community and here, in distant Siberia, Jews now also may observe our national traditions, just as they are able to elsewhere in the world,” commented Rabbi Kamenetsky.