In a modest yet meaningful ceremony, the Jewish community of Samara marked the inauguration of a new synagogue at the city’s international airport. The opening aligns with a growing trend across Russia, following similar projects at major hubs such as Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport.

Samara, one of Russia’s largest cities, is home to a vibrant and active Jewish community led by Rabbi Shlomo Deitch. With a strong network of Jewish educational institutions, the community has welcomed this new initiative as a further step in expanding Jewish life in public spaces.

The synagogue, located in a central and accessible part of the airport, is open 24 hours a day. Visitors can pray, put on tefillin and enjoy kosher refreshments provided by the community. A clear sign directs travelers to the prayer space, making it easy for Jews in transit to connect spiritually during their journey. The synagogue is fully furnished and includes a library of books, many translated into Russian, to accommodate all visitors.

During the ceremony, Rabbi Deitch affixed the mezuzah and led the first Torah reading at the new location. A congratulatory letter from the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, was read aloud and displayed at the site.

Rabbi Lazar, who spearheaded the establishment of the first airport synagogue in Moscow a decade ago, encouraged every Jew passing through the airport to engage in mitzvot—such as donning tefillin, praying, or giving charity—as a meaningful way to begin their journey.

Photo: Michael Sotalkin