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The Jewish community of Ufa is celebrating a historic milestone after the Ufa City Council voted to award the title of Honorary Citizen of Ufa to the city’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad Shliach, Rabbi Dan Halevi Krichevsky.

The prestigious recognition comes in appreciation of nearly 27 years of dedicated work to rebuild and strengthen Jewish life throughout the region, including extensive educational initiatives, charitable activities, and efforts to foster interfaith and intercultural understanding.

During a special session, members of the Ufa City Council and local government officials recognized Rabbi Krichevsky’s significant contributions to the city and its diverse population. The official decision cited his role in promoting intercommunal dialogue, strengthening relationships between different religious and cultural communities, and establishing major social welfare initiatives that benefit residents throughout the region.

The honor reflects nearly three decades of dedicated shlichus, undertaken with the encouragement and blessing of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar. When Rabbi Krichevsky first arrived in Ufa as a shliach of the Rebbe, Jewish communal life operated out of temporary facilities. Today, the community has grown into a flourishing network of Torah, education, and chesed institutions.

At the center of these activities stands an impressive community complex housing the central synagogue, a vibrant hub of daily tefillos, Torah classes, and chassidic farbrengens. The complex also includes an extensive educational campus, with a Jewish school and kindergartens of the Ohr Avner network, as well as the Beit Shvidler educational center, where children receive an education rooted in Jewish tradition and values.

The community’s institutions also include a comprehensive kashrus system, a mikvah, and a wide range of programs serving young people and families.

A particularly significant aspect of Rabbi Krichevsky’s work has been the development of an extensive network of welfare, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. Guided by the chassidic principle that every individual is an entire world, he established the Pensionat eldercare facility and the Shalom resort campus, providing care and support for senior citizens and individuals in need.

The community complex also houses a modern therapeutic swimming pool offering hydrotherapy treatments for children with special needs, alongside a therapeutic dental clinic and additional services. Another major initiative now nearing completion is a large-scale rehabilitation center for children with disabilities, designed to serve families throughout the region.

Charitable funds established by Rabbi Krichevsky provide ongoing assistance to hundreds of elderly individuals, families facing financial hardship, and orphans, including food packages, financial assistance, and help with medical expenses.

Following the announcement, messages of congratulations poured in from public officials, fellow shluchim, and friends around the world.

In remarks to community leaders and activists, Rabbi Krichevsky expressed his gratitude to the Ufa municipality and the City Council, while emphasizing that the honor belongs to the entire community.

“This honorable recognition does not belong to me personally,” Rabbi Krichevsky said. “Rather, it is a certificate of honor for the entire Jewish community and for each and every one of our partners, dedicated staff members, and generous donors who work day and night and stand behind our Torah and chesed institutions, with the guidance and support of the Chief Rabbi.”

Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Krichevsky connected the occasion to the message of the weekly Torah portion.

“As we approach the holy Shabbos of Parshas Lech Lecha, we are reminded of the chassidic meaning of these words: to constantly move forward, never remaining stagnant or settling for what has already been accomplished,” he said. “Despite the impressive achievements of the past 27 years of shlichus, our eyes are focused on the future: to completing the rehabilitation center, expanding our activities, and bringing the light of Yiddishkeit to every soul.”

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