7 hours ago

Joyous Hachnosas Torah at Moscow’s Solomon Hills with Ashkenazi and Sephardic Torahs

A moving and magnificent Hachnasat Sefer Torah ceremony for two Torah scrolls was held at the Chabad House of the Solomon Hills community in the Pokrovsky Hills neighborhood of Moscow. The event, which moved many residents of the prestigious neighborhood, marked another milestone in the extensive activities of the Shluchim to strengthen Judaism in Russia, and was filled with moments of holiness, unity, and joy.

The Hachnasat Sefer Torah Celebration was graced by the presence of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, who was honored to write the final letters, alongside his son, the Shliach to Crimea, also serving as Rabbi of the Solomon Hills community, Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar. Also honored with writing of the letters were Rabbi Alexander Boroda, President of the Federation of Jewish Communites, the generous donor Mr. Avraham Asher Zhurov and the congregation’s president, Mr. Dan-Shimshon Gurevich, as well as friends of the community and guests from all corners of the city who flocked to the place to participate in the great joy.

Alongside the Ashkenazi Torah scroll, a ‘Sephardi’ Torah scroll was also introduced with a magnificently beautiful case, which incorporated a spectacular and unique model of the soon-to-be-built Third Temple. The model, meticulously and skillfully crafted, combined pure gold and silver, and visually illustrated the verse “ Zeh Keili veanveihu” – exaltation of Hashem through beauty and elegance in His commandments. The magnificent Torah scroll attracted enthusiastic glances and was a powerful reminder of hope and anticipation for the complete redemption.

The distinguished donor, Mr. Avraham Asher Zhurov, who was a central partner in this celebration, was specially honored and presented with two valuable and symbolic gifts. The first particularly moving gift, was a miniature model of the Torah scroll he donated, designed by a renowned glass artist and housed in a luxurious glass case, containing an exact replica of the original cover and inscription of the real Torah scroll. It was a unique gesture that immortalized his generous donation in an unforgettable way.

Additionally, Mr. Zhurov received another symbolic gift of deep significance – a stone from the courtyard of “Beis Chayenu 770” – the Chabad World Center in Brooklyn, New York. This stone, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the community in Moscow and the World Headquarters, emphasized the spirit of unity and the deep connection to the roots and source of all Shluchim.

The Hachnasat Sefer Torah in Moscow is further evidence of the renewed blossoming of Jewish communities in Russia, and of the tireless activity of all the dedicated Shluchim, the Rabbis of the communities, to bring their hearts closer to our Father in Heaven. The atmosphere at the event was full of pure joy, prayer, and dancing, and left a strong impression on all participants, who left with a sense of unity and anticipation for a continued life of Torah and mitzvot in a more divine manner.

Photo: Levi Nazarov