The Jewish community of Moscow experienced an extraordinary three-day visit from Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber, Chief Rabbi of Israel and President of the Council of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Invited by his esteemed colleague, Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, Rabbi Ber’s visit was marked by a series of enlightening Torah lectures, meetings with Russian rabbinical leaders, and vibrant communal gatherings.
A Shabbat to Remember
The highlight of the visit took place over Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh Adar at the “Marina Roshcha” synagogue in central Moscow. Hundreds of Jews, including many young participants of FJC’s YAHAD programs, filled the synagogue for an uplifting Shabbat experience. Rabbi Ber and Rabbi Lazar shared their wisdom through inspiring sermons and Torah discussions, culminating in a heartfelt Chassidic gathering on Shabbat afternoon, bringing the entire community together in unity and spiritual elevation.
Following Shabbat, a grand Melave Malka banquet was hosted by the Caucasian Jewish community, led by its president and head of the STMEGI Foundation, Mr. German Zakharyayev. The distinguished guest was warmly welcomed, given a tour of the community’s impressive facilities, and joined in a night of joyous celebration.
Strengthening Jewish Education
During his stay, Rabbi Ber visited several key educational institutions, including the ‘Metivta’ building, ‘Cheder Menachem’ Talmud Torah, ‘Bnos Menachem’ school, and the ‘Tomchei Temimim’ Yeshiva Ketana. A memorable moment took place at the yeshiva, where Rabbi Ber participated in a ‘Siyum Rambam’ ceremony led by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Moshe Lerman.
At the ‘Tomchei Temimim’ Yeshiva Gedola, a group of rabbinical smicha students had the unique opportunity to be examined by Rabbi Ber, alongside Rabbi Lazar and Rabbi Dovid Rosenzweig, head of the yeshiva’s smicha ordination program. Their impressive knowledge and dedication left a profound impact on the Chief Rabbi of Israel.
In addition, Rabbi Ber engaged with fourteen Moscow Chabad emissaries participating in an intensive two-year training course run by the “L’maan Yilmedu” organization. In recognition of their commitment, they were awarded prestigious “Diaspora Rabbi” certificates, further strengthening Jewish leadership in Russia.
Spreading Kindness and Torah
Another significant stop on Rabbi Ber’s itinerary was the Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chessed Center, which provides essential support to thousands of elderly, orphaned, sick, and needy individuals. In a moving ceremony, the Chief Rabbi affixed a mezuzah to the center’s newly inaugurated wing, symbolizing the spirit of charity and chessed that thrives in Moscow and across the FSU.
A Grand Siyum HaRambam
The pinnacle of the visit was the grand Siyum HaRambam, held at the historic “Metropol” Hotel near Red Square. The event marked the completion of the 44th cycle of daily Rambam study, a practice encouraged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Organized by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Wilansky, director of the Moscow Torah Center, the celebration brought together around a thousand guests from various Jewish communities.
