Siberia’s Jewish Community Celebrates 25 Years of Renaissance
The Jewish community of Novosibirsk, Siberia, gathered for a momentous celebration marking 25 years of Jewish revival and the 50th birthday of Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary Rabbi Shneur Zalmen Zaklos, who, together with his wife Miriam, has rebuilt the city’s Jewish life over the past quarter century • Full Story, Photos
The Jewish community of Novosibirsk, Siberia, gathered for a momentous celebration marking 25 years of Jewish revival and the 50th birthday of Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary Rabbi Shneur Zalmen Zaklos, who, together with his wife Miriam, has rebuilt the city’s Jewish life over the past quarter century.
Despite temperatures plunging to -27°C (-16°F), hundreds of community members came together on Thursday evening, the 24th of Tevet, to honor Rabbi Zaklos’s dedication and achievements. The event highlighted the remarkable transformation of Jewish life in Siberia’s capital city under his leadership.
The evening featured a comprehensive program showcasing the community’s growth through video presentations chronicling 25 years of outreach work, including congratulatory messages from 50 Chabad emissaries worldwide.
Local government officials, municipal representatives, family members, and fellow emissaries attended the celebration, all highlighting the extraordinary development of Novosibirsk’s Jewish community.
In his address, Rabbi Zaklos demonstrated characteristic humility and humor, referring to the Ethics of the Fathers’ teaching about giving advice at age 50. “All our successes in Novosibirsk are thanks to the Almighty and the blessings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, while any shortcomings are my own…”
To commemorate this milestone, attendees received a special 270-page album documenting the extensive activities and achievements of the Zaklos family throughout their 25 years of service to the community.
The celebration reached its emotional peak when community members surprised their rabbi with an original song expressing their deep appreciation and admiration for his dedicated leadership.
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great to see Jewish life expanding in Siberia!