Pesach Preparations Completed in Moscow

The Marina Roshcha Jewish Community Center announced Wednesday the completion of extensive preparations for the upcoming Yom Tov.

These efforts include the widespread distribution of shmurah matzah kits and the organization of public Sedarim in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Beginning the day after Purim, matzah distribution began, with hundreds and sometimes thousands of people visiting the central shul daily to purchase matzah boxes. Many kosher stores across Moscow are also stocked with a broad selection of strictly kosher-for-Pesach products, including ready-made meals for those unable to cook themselves.

As in previous years, a large-scale Kimcha DePischa campaign is being carried out under the direction of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Harav Berel Lazar shlita. At the Shaarei Tzedek Chesed Center, boxes filled with holiday essentials—including shmurah matzah, wine and grape juice, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables—were distributed to the needy and large families. To maintain recipients’ dignity, dozens of workers delivered the packages on carts, warmly greeting each person.

Mechiras chametz is available via multiple platforms, and this year’s preparations also include a special campaign focusing on the unique halachic aspects of Pesach, particularly since Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. A concise guide in Russian has been published for Thursday, Friday, and Shabbos HaGadol, alongside the comprehensive Pesach guide traditionally issued by the gabbaim at the central shul.

With Pesach beginning this Motzei Shabbos, hundreds are expected to attend the main communal Seder led by the Chief Rabbi, a tradition for over 30 years. Thousands more will participate in public Seders organized throughout the city by local Chabad Houses, coordinated by Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, Director of Moscow’s Jewish communities.

Special arrangements were also made to provide matzah and kosher food for the elderly, the homeless, and Jewish prisoners. Inmates at facilities like the Butyrsky Prison received matzah and grape juice with special permission, and a full Seder will be held there.