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Hachnosas Sefer Torah in Kaliningrad Amidst the Atmosphere of the High Holidays

A magnificent Torah scroll was welcomed with great magnificence and splendor into the Great Synagogue of Kaliningrad / The Shliach organized the historic event that united the region’s Jews and attracted many guests / The philanthropist who donated the scroll received special recognition and a blessing from the Chief Rabbi of Russia • Read More, Photos

Amidst the High Holiday atmosphere that enveloped the city of Kaliningrad in holy awe this week, at the height of these Ten Days of Repentance—between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur of the year 5787—the sense of reverence transformed into boundless Jewish joy. While the gates of heaven were open to receive prayers, the doors of the city’s large, new synagogue were also thrown wide open to welcome a very special guest of honor: a magnificent new Torah scroll. This uplifting event combined the solemnity of the season with the immense joy of celebrating the Torah, breathing a spirit of renewal and hope into the local community members ahead of a good and sweet new year.

Since the early hours of the morning, great anticipation was felt throughout the community as a festive and moving Shacharit prayer service was held with a large congregation. As the appointed time approached, masses of celebrants began streaming into the magnificent hall, including community members, students, and their families. The local celebrants were joined by numerous guests who made the journey from the capital city of Moscow, the United States, Dubai, and the Holy Land. The attendees were warmly welcomed by the Chief Rabbi of Kaliningrad, Rabbi David Shvedik, alongside the Chabad emissary to the city, Rabbi Avraham Baruch Deutsch. It was evident to all present that the tremendous investment and behind-the-scenes work organizing the event—orchestrated with endless dedication by Rabbi Deutsch and his wife, the Shlucha—had borne fruit, resulting in a perfect and heartwarming celebration.

During the writing of the final letters, community rabbis, prominent Shluchim, and distinguished guests were honored. Among them were the donor’s friend, Rabbi Gershon Lishush; the Dayan, Rabbi Shneur Zalman HaCohen Cohen; the Sofer Stam, Rabbi Michael Gershon Mishulovin; the rabbi of the Chagall community in Moscow’s ZIL neighborhood, Rabbi Shaul Shimon Deutsch; and many other dignitaries.

The philanthropist, Mr. Edik Elchanan Migirov, who donated the Torah scroll in honor of his dear parents, Avraham and Sarah, for a long and good life, delivered a moving address to the crowd and expressed his wish: “May it be God’s will that a Minyan always gathers here and that the Holy Torah is always read. May Hashem grant you all health and a good, sweet new year.” Another highlight was recorded when a special video blessing was screened, sent by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berl Lazar, shlita. In his remarks, he emphasized the virtue of unity around the Torah and warmly blessed the community members and the esteemed donor.

The excitement reached its peak as the procession moved out of the hall and into the city streets. Despite the wintry weather and falling rain, the joy of the Torah triumphed over all, as is customary on such a festive day when Tachanun is not recited. Community members and their guests broke out into sweeping dances beneath the large, ornate Chuppah to the sounds of joyous music led by the director of the “Chiyuch HaLev” educational institution, the Mashpia and Baal Menagen, Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gedge. The joyful melodies he led swept the crowds into lively Hakafot, and from there the Torah scroll was carried into the sanctuary and toward the Holy Ark with Hakafot and Mitzvah dances, accompanied by the singing of “Se’u She’arim Rasheichem” that shook the walls of the hall.

The dedication of this Torah scroll serves as another significant milestone in the impressive development and renewed flourishing of Kaliningrad’s Jewish community. The uplifting occasion concluded with a festive Seudat Mitzvah, during which Mr. Migirov was presented with a special token of appreciation on behalf of the community and its leadership. The uplifting Chassidic Farbrengen continued late into the night, with participants taking upon themselves good resolutions to increase their Torah study and observance of Mitzvot out of a strong Hiskashrus, and with a pure prayer that the new Torah scroll will illuminate the entire city in a year of redemption, salvation, and a Gmar Chatimah Tovah.

Photo: Chabad of Kaliningrad