Moscow: New Shul Inaugurated for Jewish Prisoners
Funded by the Moscow Prison Service administration, a new special room was inaugurated in another Moscow prison, which will now serve as a Shul for the local Jewish inmates • Full Story, Photos
This new facility will host Torah classes, tefillin placement, and encouragement and support talks, continuing the efforts of community volunteers who visit the prison, similar to other prisons in the capital. With the opening of this new facility, the activities will gain momentum and organization, in coordination with the prison administration, which supports the initiative due to its significant impact on the prisoners.
The renovation and opening of the facility were led by Rabbi Aharon Gorovitz, the prison chaplain who has been active throughout Russia for many years, working for both Jewish soldiers and especially Jewish prisoners. As part of this effort, a dozen synagogues are already operational in various prisons across the capital, with some hosting regular weekly classes and meetings.
Federal Chief Sergey Moroz, the commander of the ‘Ilya Aristov’ prison, and his deputies awaited the arrival of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, who was received with an honor guard of prison officers. After a general tour of the facility and its various sections, the guest was brought to the new synagogue, where some Jewish prisoners were waiting to put on Tefillin and pray. During the ceremony, the first group was taken out, and the second group of prisoners from another wing was brought in.
Together with volunteers from the Jewish community who regularly visit the prison, discussions were held with the prisoners to encourage them and address their Jewish needs. Rabbi Lazar spoke about the significance of the occasion – the month of Elul, emphasizing that the King is in the field even within this closed environment, and the strengthening of faith and trust each person should undertake, especially as the new year approaches. At the end of his speech, Rabbi Lazar blew the shofar in honor of the month of Elul.
The chief warden highlighted the positive impact of connecting prisoners to religion and the observance of commandments, noting the beneficial outcome when prisoners are released and do not return to prison. Certificates of appreciation were presented by the Chief Rabbi and Rabbi Gorovitz to the prison administration, expressing gratitude for their significant investment in renovating the facility, including a comprehensive Jewish library.
Photos: Moscow Prison Service Spokesperson.
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