Active Summer for Nizhny Novgorod Jews

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia [FJC] — Despite the fact that we are in the midst of summer vacation, the Jewish community of Nizhny Novogorod – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – has been highly active. Notable developments include the opening of a kosher food store, the continuance of construction work on the city’s historic Synagogue, and three local camps for Jewish children and youth.

With respect to the new kosher store, this is the first time in the life of the revitalized community that such a venue has existed. Its wide assortment of foods offers everything needed for daily meals and for special occasions. Prices have been kept affordable in order to attract more clients, with products from Moscow, S. Petersburg, elsewhere in the Former Soviet Union, and Israel. The support of sponsors also ensures the availability of affordable kosher chicken.

“While we don’t have separate premises for the store, we are operating out of the first floor of the Synagogue,” commented Avraam Miylnikov, the kosher food store’s owner and a student at the local yeshiva. “Here, we were also able to organize a section for books and Judaica that offers traditional utensils for carrying out certain Jewish commandments and rituals”.

As for the Synagogue, built in 1883, its reconstruction and restoration are nearing completion, with only a little more work remaining on the interior. In other news, there are two camps in operation at the moment – one for students of the yeshiva, aged 10-13, as well as the ‘Gan Israel’ camp that runs every year. The girls’ session is currently underway, while the boys’ session begins on August 15.