By COLlive reporter
Photos by Israel Bardugo
A historic milestone was marked this week in the majestic Russian city of S. Petersburg, when close to 10,000 people celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Choral Synagogue in a series of events.
A slew of events and close to 10,000 people celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Grand Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg, the second largest synagogue in Europe and a historic landmark.
Consecrated in 1893, it was bombed by the Nazis during the Siege of Leningrad between 1941 and 1943. Major reconstruction was carried out between 2000 and 2003, led by the city’s Chief Rabbi Mendel Pewzner.
The community came out this Sunday for a day of Jewish experiences coordinated by Rabbi Chaim Shaul Bruk, outreach director of the community. It included sampling of scripture writing, kosher food, a shabbos exhibit, and a typical Yiddish shtetl.
The historic occasion was further celebrated in a fashion that fit the description of the synagogue by the 20th century Russian poet Osip Mandelstam, a “lavish” and “outstanding” gala dinner.
2,000 people, from the city’s government and civic leaders, joined to celebrate the revival of Jewish life after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the former Soviet Union. The event was produced by Michael Caplin.
A special song was written for the occasion by musician Meir Briskman. Renowned chazan Yaacov Motzen, Israeli singer David Daor, child soloist Netanel Binshtok and the S. Petersburg chazan Gregory Yakirson sang, accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra.
A new Torah sponsored by members of the local Jewish community was completed during the evening. It was a reprisal of the opening of the synagogue 120 years ago which included welcoming 7 Torahs to its large ark.
Who would have thought when you stopped of on your way to your shlichus in (Leningrad) St Petersburg in our house in London how successful you would be in the town where both my parents come from.
Its a real joy to see these beautiful pics and wish you loads more hatzlocho in your holy shlichus iy”h.
https://www.facebook.com/israel.bardugo
Sara, we want to see you!
The weather outside looked just like from the good old days of MONTREAL Shomrim Laboker snowy and icy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I could have been there !
Rabbi Pewzner, We wish you and the whole team Hatzlocohoh Rabboh
You make the rebbe proud!!!
Way to go ‘Uncle Mendy” :))