Russia’s ‘Silicon Valley’ Receives a New Torah Scroll

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Levi Nazarov

The “Skolkovo” area of Moscow, known as Russia’s Silicon Valley thanks to its many innovative companies in the field of technology and commerce, has welcomed its own Shliach about two years ago.

Since the arrival of Rabbi Dovid Boroda and his family, the Jewish community has come to life with an active synagogue, minyanim, Torah classes and a 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 that is dedicated to all of the community members into their shul.

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

Upon completion of the Hakafos, as is customary, the crowd sat down to a Chassidic farbrengen and Seudas Mitzva, 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.