In honor of Belarus’ Independence Day, marked on Friday, July 3, the Jewish community of Mogilev held an open house at its new Jewish Educational and Community Center, welcoming residents from across the city and surrounding area.

The center, which has become a renewed home for Jewish educational, cultural, religious, and community life in Mogilev, opened its doors to hundreds of visitors throughout the day. Guests arrived in four groups and were introduced to the synagogue, the community’s activities, and the long Jewish history of the city.

“We were delighted to welcome hundreds of guests from all walks of life,” said Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz, Rabbi of the Jewish community and Chabad emissary in Mogilev. “They visited the synagogue, learned more about the life of our community, watched a film about the history of the Jews of Mogilev, and were able to connect with memories that are still very much alive in our city.”

The program reflected both Mogilev’s historic Jewish presence and the community’s present-day renewal. In recent years, the city’s Jewish community has continued to expand its educational, holiday, youth, and social activities, strengthening Jewish identity while also building warm connections with the broader local public.

Guests also enjoyed authentic kosher refreshments prepared for the occasion, adding a personal and welcoming touch to the visit.

“We are grateful to everyone who came,” Rabbi Alperowitz added. “Meetings like these help us understand one another better, preserve history, and build positive connections between people of different backgrounds, views, and beliefs.”