The Jewish community of Penza, Russia, has welcomed a new spiritual leader with the appointment of Rabbi Gershon Zvi Feldman and his wife Yael as the city’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissaries. The appointment was made with the blessing and approval of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar.
Rabbi Feldman received rabbinical ordination and, following his marriage, served as a lecturer in several yeshivas in Moscow, where he taught Torah classes to students and community members. Now, the young rabbinical couple has arrived in Penza with the goal of strengthening and expanding Jewish life in the city and surrounding region.
Penza is home to a vibrant and growing Jewish community. Shabbat prayers are held regularly, followed by communal meals that bring together families and individuals from across the area. Thousands of Jews live in the city and its surrounding region, and community activities continue to expand.
Each Sunday, members of the community gather for a weekly class on the Torah portion. At the same time, children attend Jewish educational activities through the local Jfuture Sunday school program, where they learn about Jewish traditions, holidays, and heritage.
Since their arrival, Rabbi and Mrs. Feldman have already launched a YAHAD club for Jewish students and young professionals in the city. The initiative provides a welcoming environment where young adults can meet, study Jewish heritage, while building connections with one another.
Shortly after arriving, the Feldmans celebrated their first holiday together with the community during Purim. The celebration brought many community members together for the reading of the Megillah and festive gatherings.
“It is impossible to describe the joy people felt at finally having a rabbi who could help them celebrate the holiday properly,” community members shared. “One of the most special moments was when participants exchanged mishloach manot and shared kind words with one another. It created a strong sense of unity within the community.”
Looking ahead, the Feldmans immediate goal is to strengthen existing programs while also developing new initiatives for Jewish families in Penza. Among their top priorities are the renovation of the city’s mikvah and the opening of a kindergarten that will serve the community’s youngest members.
