Renovations at the historic synagogue in Kislovodsk, Russia, are in full swing. The historic restoration and expansion are aimed at accommodating the local Jewish community and the many tourists who visit to enjoy the region’s mineral waters and unique climate.
The city is located in the Caucasus Mountains and is known as Russia’s “Sun City,” with clear and mild weather for most of the year.
The synagogue was built about 135 years ago in an area where Jews were permitted to reside. It served the community for decades until it was nationalized by the Communist regime.
During its years of operation, the synagogue welcomed the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Rebbe Rashab נ”ע, who established a soup kitchen in the area, offering free kosher meals daily to any Jew in need.
His son, the Rebbe Rayatz נ”ע, also visited the synagogue and organized gatherings of municipal rabbis to strengthen Jewish life in their communities. The Rebbe Rayatz’s son-in-law, the Rebbe זי”ע, briefly visited to meet his future father-in-law.
A few years ago, the synagogue was redeemed by the philanthropist Mr. Naum Aleksadrovich Babaev. Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan, the rabbi of Moscow’s Bolshaya Bronnaya Chabad Synagogue, brought a Torah scroll to the site, together with his student Rabbi Akiva Khudayntov, a native of the area who now leads the community and oversees its activities.
With approval from both the local authorities and the donor, the project commenced with the blessing and support of Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who plans to lead a delegation from Moscow for the dedication ceremony. The celebration is planned for next Elul and will mark the completion of the Torah scroll and dedication of the expanded space.
During the renovations, workers uncovered the original mikvah site. Despite some damage and modifications made by past tenants, the synagogue’s impressive beauty is still apparent. It reflects the effort and care that the Jews of the era had invested in creating a place of grandeur.
A large team of skilled artisans is now restoring its original elegance and expanding the space to include a Torah Hall with a large Torah library.
Alongside regular prayer services for the local Jewish community, the site serves as a key Jewish landmark for the many tourists who visit Kislovodsk — one of Russia’s most popular destinations. A quality kosher restaurant operates near the synagogue, overlooking a sparkling river that flows through the city.
Visitors can reach Kislovodsk via Mineralnye Vody Airport in Stavropol Krai. Many of them travel the short distance to snow-covered Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, at 5,642 meters, or to sample the region’s various natural spring waters, which are noted for their many therapeutic benefits.
Photo credit: Mevaser Tov Moscow
