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Historic Preparations in the Russian Capital Ahead of the High Holidays

Jewish Moscow enters the centenary year of the historic Maamar of the Frierdiker Rebbe in Moscow on Purim Katan 1927 with great excitement | Under the guidance of the Chief Rabbi of Russia: Extensive initiatives in education and spreading Judaism | Renovations and Torah classes at the Central Synagogue, alongside a unique CD for learning the Nusach of the prayers and an elegant Halachic guide currently being distributed to thousands of the city’s Jews • Read More, Photos

The month of Elul in the Russian capital always brings a special atmosphere of earnestness, renewal, and preparation for the New Year.

This year, the communal sense of majesty takes on true historical significance. Russian Jewry stands at the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the delivery of the Maamar “VeKiblu HaYehudim” by the Frierdiker Rebbe of blessed memory. The discourse, delivered in Moscow on Purim Katan 5687 (1927) at the height of Communist persecution, called for self-sacrifice – mesiras nefesh for the education of Jewish children—a call for which the Rebbe was later sentenced to death.

Now, the glorious Marina Roscha community, pulsating at the very heart of Jewish Moscow, celebrates the triumph of the spirit with an unprecedented intensification of the voice of Torah and a momentum of growth, expansion, and multidimensional preparation ahead of the upcoming month of Tishrei.

Ahead of Shabbos Selichos and the High Holidays, the main sanctuary of the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue underwent a thorough facelift to accommodate the community’s expansion. Extensive renovations were carried out during the summer months, and now, with the removal of the partition that divided the two halves of the sanctuary, the spectacular beauty of this immense investment is revealed for all to see.

The work included the installation of a unique, illuminating lighting system in the spirit of “Therefore glorify the Lord with lights,” as well as a comprehensive upgrade of the electrical and air conditioning systems, and a redesign of the building’s main entrance. Simultaneously, engineering assessments are currently underway to expand the main Sukkah in the synagogue’s plaza, ensuring it can comfortably host the multitudes of celebrants.

Alongside these welcome material preparations, and under the guidance of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, great emphasis is being placed on the spiritual preparation of the many attendees.

The Chief Rabbi declared that the centenary year of the “mesiras nefesh” Maamar will be characterized by increased Torah study and investment in education in Moscow, in the spirit of “Kiyemu v’Kiblu” (they confirmed and undertook). As part of this vision, a comprehensive preparatory framework has been launched recently, centered around a special series of Halacha classes delivered in the synagogue sanctuary and entirely dedicated to the Yomim Tovim of the month of Tishrei.

Another central pillar of these preparations is the investment in producing a unique CD featuring a selection of prayer excerpts for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The CD, created by Chief Cantor Rabbi Dovid Kytak, compiles the Nusach and melodies that have been traditionally used for many years in the Central Synagogue. The goal is to allow the public to arrive prepared and feel a more powerful connection to the prayer service; for many who did not receive a Torah education in their youth, this initiative will serve as a true anchor throughout the long prayers of the High Holidays.

Furthermore, as is customary before every Yom Tov, a unique and meticulously crafted guide has been published, clearly explaining all the laws and customs for the entire month – from Shabbos Selichos through Shabbos Bereishis. This is in addition to innovative projects designed to bring the light of the High Holidays into the hearts of tens of thousands of Jews in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, at the “Shaarey Tzedek” Jewish Kindness Center in the Marina Roscha neighborhood, extensive preparations are currently being completed for the “Kimcha D’Tishrei” project, which will provide basic food staples to the needy, the elderly, and large families.

This careful combination of beautifying and expanding the sanctuary of prayer, increasing the dissemination of Torah, and providing material assistance to all in need guarantees that, with God’s help, the holiday month will illuminate the entire city. The thousands of Jews expected to fill the benches of the Central Synagogue this coming month will be welcomed in a renewed space and participate in a diverse array of Torah classes. All this on their journey to a good and sweet new year—a year of increasing light over darkness and fulfilling the Chassidim’s promise to the Rebbe a century ago in Moscow: to do everything with true self-sacrifice for Hashem and His Torah.

Photo: Mevaser Tov Moscow