Mezuzah Project Reaches New Stage in Oryol

Oryol, Russia – The Jewish community of Oryol has received good news this week, with the announcement that a sponsor has come forth for the program “Mezuzah for Every Jewish Home”. While this project was introduced some time ago by the Chief Rabbi of Central Russia, Zeyev Wagner, it is only now that the local community is able to afford the cost independently. Previously, that support was subsidized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.

From the success of this program, it is clear that local Jews are interested in having a mezuzah at the entrance of their house, in keeping with the traditions of their ancestors. “Coming to one’s home and affixing a mezuzah to a wooden doorpost – that means transforming that house into a Jewish home,” explained Semyon Livshitz, the Chairman of the Oryol Jewish community.

The funding for the continuance of this program, in addition to several other programs, came from Pinchas Kuzemchenko. Apart from being an active community member, this individual serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee for the ‘Sholom’ Center in Oryol.

The city of Oryol, with its approximately 334,000 residents, is home to a blossoming Jewish community that belongs to the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.