Thousands of Jews packed Synagogues in Moscow for Yom Kippur, including many who attended for the first time in their lives.
Prayers were held in Shuls, Chabad Houses, and new minyanim were set up for Hebrew and English speakers as well.
A mass prayer was held at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue, which opened with a special Drasha of Hisorerus given by Chief Rabbi of Russia, Shliach Rabbi Berel Lazar.
The Chazzan was Rabbi Shneur Zalman Baumgarten of New York, who moved the congregation with his beautiful voice. Participants joining the prayers wrapped in kittels and taleisim they had received upon entering, along with Machzors translated to Russian.
After singing Napolean’s March, the blowing of the Shofar, and Maariv, the event hall was opened for a breaking of the fast meal.
Later, many locals and Shluchim gathered for a Farbrengen at the Weisberg home, which ended late into the night.
