In a moving ceremony attended by community members and dignitaries, the Jewish community of Novi Veshki—a growing residential village near Moscow—celebrated the inauguration of a new Torah scroll. The event, marked a milestone in the development of Jewish life in the area.

The village of Novi Veshki, known for its tranquil surroundings and elegant homes, has recently seen an influx of Jewish families seeking a quieter lifestyle outside the capital. With this growth came the natural emergence of a local Jewish community. At the initiative of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren was appointed to lead the community and establish a vibrant center for Jewish life.

The new Torah scroll was generously donated by the Yakubov family in memory of their beloved parents. The dedication took place in the community’s synagogue hall, with warm participation from local residents, families, and guests. The celebration was led by Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gedzh, a close friend of the Yakubov family, who invited Chief Rabbi Lazar to complete the final letters of the scroll.

As part of the ceremony, Mr. David and Mr. Moshe Yakubov received a certificate of appreciation and a dollar with blessings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, presented on behalf of the charitable organizations in Moscow that the family supports.

Throughout the evening, guests heard words of Torah and inspiration from several speakers, including Rabbi Yitzhak Kogan, Rabbi of the Bolshaya Bronnaya Synagogue, and Rabbi Deren, who serves both as the community’s spiritual leader and as a key figure in the Chief Rabbinate of Russia.

Photo: Alexander Lissan