By COLlive reporter
The Jewish community in Krasnodar, the economic center of southern Russia and one of the best cities for business in the country, took to the streets last week to celebrate its continued growth.
Hundreds of community members and distinguished guests were in attendance to inaugurate the new Jewish community center generously donated by Lev Leviev, the billionaire who chairs the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS.
Among the guests were Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar and Rabbi Shneor Segal, former Chief Rabbi of Krasnodar who was all smiles upon his return.
3 years ago, Rabbi Segal and the community’s president Aryeh Leib Tkach began planning a new center that will provide local Jews with services and programming that will increase their continued interest in their heritage.
In the midst of the work, Rabbi Segal accepted the position of Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Baku in Azerbaijan. But he remained in close contact with his former community.
Construction on the new center continued after his departure, and it now includes a beautiful synagogue, a gala hall for events and simchas, a library, a kosher Cafe, a Mikvah and a children and youth educational center.
“I urge you to be persistent in visiting the new center,” Rabbi Segal said in his heartfelt remarks in Russian during the ceremony this past Sunday, where mezuzos were affixed on the doors.
“Come for minyan, for the many Torah classes for the various Jewish activities that are being offered for the whole family,” Rabbi Segal said, adding how proud he was of the community and its commitment to Judaism.
A source at the Federation of Jewish Communities told COLlive that “for now there isn’t a full-time Rabbi and Shliach in the city, but the head of the community is a frum Jew who is deeply committed to spiritual matters as well.”
Addressing the gathering, Rabbi Lazar expressed his belief that the completion of the construction of the JCC will become a turning point in the development of the Jewish community of Krasnodar.
Rabbi Lazar added that the new Synagogue – as a house of prayer – will bring additional blessing to the entire city, home to more than 130 large and medium-sized business enterprises.
The opening ceremony combined an additional celebration: the welcoming of a new Torah scroll donated by Nathan Muhailov, a gala concert and dinner.
Beautiful!