8 hours ago

On Chof Av: New Mikvah Inaugurated in Almaty

Among the many events and farbrengens marking the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a beautiful new Mikvah was inaugurated on Chof Menachem Av at the Chabad Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan, just steps from the Rebbe’s father’s holy resting place • Full Story, Photos

As part of the events marking the yahrtzeit of Harav HaGaon HaMekubal Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, a new and beautifully constructed Mikvah was dedicated at the Chabad Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Located on the ground floor of the residential building adjacent to the Ohel, the new Mikvah will serve both the city’s growing Jewish community and the many visitors who come throughout the year.

Built to the highest standards, the mikvah features a private entrance, reception area, preparation rooms, a large bor, and modern facilities.

The dedication ceremony was attended by the project’s principal donors, R’ Dovid Yakubov and his wife Mrs. Sofia Yakubov of Moscow. Having personally experienced a miracle after davening at Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s Ohel, the couple chose to express their gratitude by sponsoring the construction of a new Mikvah near the holy site. The mikvah was named “Mikvah Chana” in memory of Rebbetzin Chana, the wife of the Baal HaHilulah.

The ceremony was led by the Rebbe’s Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan, Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, who accompanied the Yakubov family in unveiling the dedication plaque. Joining them was philanthropist R’ Lev Leviev, who attended with his family and was warmly welcomed by Rabbi Cohen before affixing the mezuzah at the entrance to the building.

Women from the Almaty Jewish community expressed their appreciation to the donors for their generous contribution, noting that the new Mikvah will significantly expand Taharah opportunities and support the continued growth of Jewish life in the city.

Later that day, during the annual gathering for Kazakhstan’s Jewish community, attended by hundreds of Jews from across the country, additional Mezuzos were affixed throughout the building by Rabbi Elchanan Cohen, Rabbi of Almaty; Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar of Moscow; Rabbi Younes Hamami, Chief Rabbi of Tehran; Rabbi Menachem Mendel Chitrik, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Turkey and Chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States; philanthropist R’ Avi Shaulzon; the Rebbe’s Shluchim in Kazakhstan; and Adam Malashvili, gabbai of the Levi Yitzchak Shul.

Although Almaty has had a Mikvah for nearly thirty years, the rapid expansion of local Jewish life and the growing number of visitors made the construction of a larger, more spacious facility a necessity.

Addressing those in attendance, R’ Lev Leviev spoke about the mesirus nefesh of his mother, grandmother, and countless Jews in the former Soviet Union who safeguarded the mitzvah of Taharas Hamishpachah under the harshest conditions. Donor R’ Dovid Yakubov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an important mitzvah.

Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen concluded by saying that the dedication of the new Mikvah brings tremendous nachas ruach to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, Rebbetzin Chana, and their son, the Rebbe Melech Hamoshiach. He expressed hope that rainfall would soon fill the otzar, allowing the new mikvah to become operational without delay.