In a powerful display of Jewish continuity and religious freedom in modern Russia, Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar led Moscow’s 35th consecutive public Chanukah celebration at the foot of the Kremlin walls, marking a significant milestone for the city’s Jewish community.
The ceremony began with community chairman Rabbi Baruch Gorin providing context about Chanukah’s historical significance and its contemporary relevance. A particularly moving moment came when the gathering viewed footage of the Lubavitcher Rebbe speaking about each person’s responsibility to illuminate both physical and spiritual darkness, regardless of their circumstances.
“Today’s menorah lighting in Moscow’s central square, now in its 35th year, carries a message that must reach every person,” Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar emphasized in his address. “Even a single Chanukah candle has the power to dispel darkness from our hearts and surroundings. This holiday brings peace and confidence that, with G-d’s help, we can overcome all difficulties and see light in the near future.”
“While this lighting publicizes the miracle,” Rabbi Lazar added, “everyone has the duty to light candles at home. Consider inviting a neighbor or friend to share in illuminating their soul, home, and family.”
The public menorah lighting represents just one facet of the remarkable transformation of Jewish life in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. From a time when Jewish practices were forced underground, Russia’s Jewish community has experienced an unprecedented revival, with hundreds of communities now flourishing across the country. These communities maintain synagogues, schools, and community centers that serve hundreds of thousands of Jews, from major cities to remote regions where Jewish life had nearly vanished during the Soviet era.
This renaissance has been particularly evident in Moscow, where the city now supports multiple Jewish day schools, yeshivas, and kindergartens, alongside a network of synagogues and community centers. The establishment of kosher restaurants, Jewish medical centers, and educational institutions has created a comprehensive infrastructure that enables full Jewish observance. What makes this transformation even more remarkable is the active participation of younger generations, many of whom are discovering their Jewish heritage for the first time through programs initiated by the Federation of Jewish Communities, breathing new life into traditions their grandparents were forced to abandon.
The event was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of community leaders, including Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia President, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, and Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, the community director, who mobilized the teams to set up the magnificent menorah, stages, screens, and broadcasting equipment, ensuring the ceremony could reach millions of viewers across Russia.
Photo: A. Prozhivino
