Not a week passes that a new book on Judaism and tradition is published in Russian, welcomed by the thousands of Russian-speaking Jews across the countries of the former Soviet Union. But this time something exceptional happened – a unique initiative by the Federation of the Jewish Communities of Russia that brought a Siddur written in the Braille font for the blind and visually-impaired – in Russian. It is the first publication ever of this kind.

The Siddur is the traditional prayer book, complete with the morning, afternoon and evening services, and additions for the Shabbat and holidays. It is the first in the Russian Braille font series that will also feature a much-anticipated book of Psalms (already in the works) and other books to follow. The project is sponsored by Mr. Raphael Yagudayev with heartfelt blessings by the chief rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar.

The first book that was delivered from the publishers was inscribed by rabbi Berel Lazar and dedicated to the ‘Musical Rabbi’ of Jerusalem, rabbi Yosef Krishevsky, who uses his musical talents to revive and preserve old Hasidic nigunim and melodies, especially those from Russia.

The Siddur arrived on the 15th of Adar, Shushan Purim, and brought ‘joy and happiness to the Jews’ fulfilling the words of the Book of Esther.