Kostroma Jewish Community Hosts Open House

KOSTROMA, Russia –- Last weekend, the Jewish community celebrated Kostroma Day by holding an Open House for the public. This event marked the city’s 855th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its historic Synagogue. For one day, the hall was transformed into a museum and numerous guests visited exhibits on Jewish life, clothing, holidays, Shabbat, and books on local Jewish history.

This event involved Kostroma Mayor Irina Perevorzeva, who was met with joyous traditional Jewish music. Musician Boris Itzkovich traveled here especially from Yaroslavl to perform on this occasion. Chief Rabbi of Kostroma Nison Ruppo gave the Mayor and other guests a tour of the Synagogue and spoke to them about the quickly approaching month of Elul and the blowing of the Shofar. One of the oldest Jewish residents also entertained the guests with several songs in Yiddish.

Among the guests were journalists, representatives of other ethnic and national minorities in Kostroma, visitors from Kostroma’s sister city in Durham, UK, as well as many other residents. Everyone had the opportunity to try several national kosher dishes, listened to festive speeches, and signed the new guest book. Thanks to this event, the Jewish community has expanded by one young family, which recently relocated to Kostroma.