To the visitors' surprise, not only were they given a warm welcome by the Jewish community of S. Petersburg – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – and its leadership, but so too did they have the opportunity to meet many of its members and speak to them face-to-face. Their visit also inspired tens of questions, to which they received answers and guidance by their hosts.
S. Petersburg Synagogue Promotes Tolerance amongst Students
S. PETERSBURG, Russia -– This week in Russia’s northern capital, hundreds of teenage students marked the International Day of Tolerance by visiting the Great Choral Synagogue. There, they had the opportunity to enjoy a tour, a lecture on Jewish culture and tradition, and a performance by a Cantor during which their jolly voices fell clearly silent.
To the visitors’ surprise, not only were they given a warm welcome by the Jewish community of S. Petersburg – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – and its leadership, but so too did they have the opportunity to meet many of its members and speak to them face-to-face. Their visit also inspired tens of questions, to which they received answers and guidance by their hosts.
Mark Grubarg, the Chairman of the city’s Jewish community, noted the importance of promoting knowledge about Jewish culture and Judaism among youth. “Having visited the Synagogue and witnessed the day-to-day life of ordinary Jews, these young men and women will likely never be duped into believing any of the myths out there about Jews,” he commented.
That day, the Synagogue later hosted another major event involving professionals and students of nearly a dozen institutions of higher education in S. Petersburg. A press conference, held in the building’s library, was filled with hundreds of visitors who eagerly listened first-hand to the words of Chief Rabbi of S. Petersburg Menachem Mendel Pewzner Chairman Mark Grubarg on this significant day.
