Once Footballs, Now Siddurim

By COLlive reporter

More than 1500 people attended a concert in Ukraine to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Kharkov Choral synagogue, one of the largest in Europe.

Chief Rabbi of Kharkov Moishe Moskovitz recalled how it wasn’t too long ago when basketball and football games were held in the large structure when Communists converted the 1913 built shul into a sports complex.

In 1990, the synagogue was returned to the Kharkov Jewish community, at the same time Rabbi Moskovitz and his wife Miriam arrived on Shlichus with their 8-month-old son.

The shul was damaged in a fire in 1997 and was in dire condition. In 2003, renovations were completed thanks to a grant from the Rohr Foundation.

“We are witnessing a clear miracle where such a crowd can be proud to celebrate publicly our Jewish pride,” said Rabbi Moskovitz. His words were echoed by Alexander Kaganovsky, President of the synagogue.

The Turetsky Choir, a musical group under the direction of Mikhail Turetsky, gave a spirited performance, singing some known Jewish and Yiddish classics, ranging from Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov to MBD’s Moshiach.

Alexander Feldman, philanthropist and member of the Ukrainian Parliament, sponsored the concert and was thanked for his constant support to the community.

During the concert, hundreds of men put on Tefillin and Shabbos candles were handed to women and girls.

“People are looking forward to the next event that will be dedicated to a century of such a monumental Synagogue – the center of Kharkov Jewish life,” said Mrs. Moskovitz.