Another Russian Prison Opens a Synagogue

Jewish inmates at Penitentiary No. 7 in S. Petersburg, Russia, now have a place to pray, learn Torah and relax in their newly-converted synagogue.

Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Ifrah Abramov, who has been visiting local Jewish inmates over the years, presided over the new facility’s opening.

“In prison, as elsewhere, self-identification is important. A person must understand who he is,” said Abramov, who also directs the local yeshiva. “A sense of belonging to Judaism provides tremendous moral support.”

He added that the Jewish prisoners are so inspired that they have volunteered to renovate the room themselves. Meanwhile, the local Jewish community will contribute funds for the materials.

“While there are no more than 10 Jews here, they need a synagogue,” said Ludmila Kairys, the prison’s deputy education director, who added that another chapel exists for non-Jewish prisoners.

“Jews must also have the same opportunity.”

At least six Jewish chapels have opened in Russian prisons following an agreement reached between the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia and federal corrections officials.