Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar and the President of Tatarstan who headed a government delegation, in attendance * The President, presented the city’s Rabbi with a tribute * Judaism makes headlines in Russia
In an impressive and heart-warming ceremony, The “Center for Torah Study”, a first of its kind, opened its doors in Russia’s largest Muslim republic. Tatarstan is home to about ten thousand Jews, many of whom are members of the developing Jewish community in the capital city of Kazan under the leadership and guidance of Rabbi Yitzchak Gorelik, who will also direct the new yeshiva.
The guests of honor were the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, who flew in from Moscow together with a distinguished delegation, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, and the yeshiva’s donor, philanthropist Mr. David Aminov.
The republic’s president, Mr. Rustam Minihanov, as well as the city’s mayor, arrived with a governmental delegation to pay respect to this historical event. They expressed deep appreciation and admiration to the Jewish community for their positive impact on the general population.
Rabbi Lazar was honored with affixing the mezuzah to the main entrance, after which he spoke about the importance of Jewish tradition and Torah for every single Jew no matter how old, or of what background. He concluded with words of thanks to the president for all that he does to assist the local Jews throughout the year.
The President of the Republic began his speech by saying emotionally “I am still under the strong impression of the amazing things that I have heard from the Rabbi. The Jewish community here serves as an example to all of us how important tradition is, and how vital it is to pass on these values from generation to generation. I am very happy that a center for Torah study has opened today in the city of Kazan. It is the privilege and obligation of every nation. I am sure that anyone who will walk into this center, will only leave as a better person. I wish you lots of luck, and thank you to all of you.”
To the applause and great delight of the audience, the President gave a special award to Rabbi Gorelik for his investment in the development of the community and his contribution to peace and brotherhood among the inhabitants of the Tatarstan republic.
Additionally, Rabbi Boroda and the donor Mr. David Aminov also spoke – After which, the public was invited to go up to one of the magnificent halls in the new yeshiva and sit down to listen to the first class which was given by Rabbi Berel Lazar.
courtesy= fjc-fsu.org.com
