A new rabbinic couple has begun their mission to strengthen Jewish life in the city of Obninsk, Russia, bringing renewed energy to a warm and steadily growing community. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Feldman and his wife, Ruth, recently arrived in the city to serve the local Jewish population. The appointment was made with the blessing and approval of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar.
Prior to their appointment, Rabbi Feldman was involved in education in Moscow, teaching Torah at the “Menachem” School for both children of community members and families connected to Jewish life. At the same time, he regularly delivered Torah classes for adults. His wife, Ruth, also worked in Jewish education, teaching at the Bnos Menachem girls’ high school.
Now, the couple has taken on their new role in Obninsk to serve as the community’s rabbi and Chabad emissaries, with the goal of strengthening and expanding the city’s Jewish activities. The community already enjoys an active schedule of programs. Once or twice each month, members gather for communal Shabbat celebrations that include prayers, festive meals, and uplifting Chassidic gatherings that create a strong sense of connection among participants.
Throughout the week, the community center hosts a variety of activities, while Sunday programs offer creative clubs such as drawing, singing, and music for both children and adults. The community is based in a large three-story synagogue building with a spacious courtyard, alongside an additional building that houses both a women’s and men’s mikvah.
Jewish holidays are marked with large communal events. Most recently, the community celebrated Purim with an especially lively gathering that brought together around 80 participants. Preparations are already underway for Passover programs and activities.
New initiatives are also beginning to take shape. A recently launched Jewish Men’s Club has already held its first weekly Torah class focused on the upcoming holiday of Passover, and regular meetings are planned going forward. After Passover, the community hopes to establish a similar club for women, offering weekly learning and social gatherings.
Looking ahead, the new rabbinic family hopes to further develop Jewish life in the city by renovating the synagogue and mikvah buildings, preparing the kitchen for broader communal use, and expanding programming for children, teenagers, and adults. One of their important future goals is the opening of a Jewish kindergarten, which would provide an educational framework for the growing number of young families in the city.
Obninsk itself is a rapidly developing city with many new residential buildings and a significant Jewish population. With continued dedication and expanded programming, the community hopes to build on its strong foundation and ensure that Jewish life in the city continues to grow, bringing the light of Jewish tradition to every Jew in the area.
