In Russia, Jewish Inmate Marks Brit Mila

ORENBURG, Russia — For the first time in the history of the Russian Federation’s penitentiary system, a Brit Mila ceremony took place in the Orenburg Regional Prison. This age-old Jewish tradition involved a Jewish inmate who is currently serving out a ten-year term. While this ancient tradition is becoming more commonplace among Jews across the Former Soviet Union, it is quite unique that this ritual is undergone by those serving out prison sentences.

Having recently become more interested in his national roots, this man finally approached Chief Rabbi of Orenburg Goel Mayers – a Chabad Lubavitch emissary serving in the region – in order to ask for his help in undergoing this life-changing event. For this occasion, Rabbi Mayers called upon the services of Yeshaya Shafit, who is Chief Mohel of Russia. As usual, he performed the procedure with great professionalism.

Chief Rabbi Mayers and Jewish lay leaders were happy to see that the prison administration refrained from any protest to this proposal and – even better – its officials actually everything necessary so that his request could be fulfilled. For this, the Jewish community of Orenburg – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – is grateful to prison officials.