The “Skolkovo” area of Moscow, known as Russia’s Silicon Valley thanks to its many innovative companies in the field of technology and commerce, welcomed its community rabbi and Chabad emissary about two years ago and has now inaugurated its own new Torah scroll. 

Photos: Levi Nazarov

Since the arrival of Rabbi David Boroda and his family, the Jewish community has come to life with an active synagogue, prayers, Torah and Judaism classes, and a Hebrew Sunday School for the Jewish children and youth in the neighborhood.

With the development of the community, the need to purchase a Torah scroll of their own was felt. The community members rallied together, each donating and raising the necessary funds. Their efforts paid off as this week they emotionally welcomed their new Torah scroll dedicated to all of the community members into their shul.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, who was honored with writing the last letters in the scroll, after which he addressed the guests, encouraging everyone to fill the synagogue to capacity, inviting more of the local Jews to join the variety of Jewish activities that the Boroda family offers with such dedication.

Upon completion of the ‘Hakafos’ dancing, as customary, the crowd sat down to a grand meal, during which they took upon themselves to expand the place and serve as the address for each and every Jew in the area, joining the 40 Chabad Houses that dot the capital city.