A state-of-the-art Jewish educational center and community complex opened its doors in Mogilev, Belarus, symbolizing the remarkable rebirth of Jewish life in a city that once faced devastating losses during World War II. The inauguration marks the culmination of a five-year construction project and two decades of dedicated community building.
Located prominently on Leninskaya Street in the city’s central pedestrian zone, the new facility will serve as a vibrant hub for Jewish education, culture, and community gatherings. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar joined local community leaders for the historic opening, celebrating alongside Rabbi Menachem Mendel Alperowitz and Rebbetzin Rivka Alperowitz, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in revitalizing Jewish life in the region.
The center’s completion represents a collaborative effort between local and international supporters. Key funding was generously granted by the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), devoted local philanthropist and businessman Mr. Yevgeny Baskin, the Rohr family from Miami-NY, Moscow businessman Mr. Abraham Asher Zhurov, a Mogilev native who maintained deep connections to his hometown, alongside contributions from the 770 Foundation and additional donors from across the globe.
During the emotional inauguration ceremony, Rabbi Alperowitz shared a poignant historical photograph taken at the exact location during the Nazi occupation, showing Jews being marched under guard. The new center, he noted, stands as a powerful symbol of renewal, transforming a site of historical darkness into a beacon of Jewish learning and community life.
The facility includes modern classrooms for children’s education, a welcoming synagogue space, a fully equipped kosher kitchen to serve community needs, and a multipurpose hall for events and celebrations. These amenities will support the growing range of educational and cultural programs that have become central to Mogilev’s Jewish revival.
In a traditional ceremony, Rabbi Lazar affixed the first mezuzah at the main entrance, followed by other community leaders and supporters, including Rabbi Dovid Mondshine CEO of FJC. The day’s events culminated in the commencement of writing a new Torah scroll for the center, adding spiritual significance to the physical achievement.
The presence of local government officials at the celebration, headed by the Chairman of the District Council Mr. Alexander Garoshkin and Chief Executive of the City Administration Mr. Alexy Braskov, highlighted the positive relationship between the Jewish community and city authorities, who were recognized for their support throughout the construction process. Their attendance underscored the broader civic significance of this new Jewish cultural landmark in Mogilev.
