Russian Jewish Community of Novi Veshki Celebrates New Sefer Torah with Chief Rabbi

The Jewish community in the suburban village of Novi Veshki experienced a landmark celebration Sunday with a Hachnasas Sefer Torah attended by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Harav Berel Lazar shlita.

The event highlights the “significant progress” and “noticeable development of Jewish communities” across the Moscow region, a statement from the Chief Rabbi’s office read.

The hachnasas Sefer Torah highlighted efforts ny the chief rabbi to establish new communities, serving thousands of Jews, guided by Rabbi Lazar’s mission “to reach every Jew in Russia.”

This growth is particularly notable in the capital’s suburbs, where thousands “are chosing to move… to escape the noise and bustle of the busy metropolis for a slower pace of life.”

Novi Veshki is described by the chief rabbi’s office as a “prestigious village… built from the ground up” features “elegant houses with green areas surrounded by lakes, forests, and orchards.”

With the expansion of its Jewish population, the “need to open their own community and shul” became clear. In response,Rabbi Lazar appointed Rabbi Zalman Shimon HaCohen Deren, the Gabbai of the Chief Rabbinate, to serve as the community’s Mara De’asra.

The local community is already active, providing “minyanim, Torah classes, holiday events and youth activities” for the neighborhood’s Jews throughout the year.

The celebration was sparked by a generous donation from the Yakubov family, described as “distinguished members of the community.”
“Great joy enveloped the community” upon learning that the family was dedicating a “most exquisite Torah scroll, with beautiful accessories, in memory of their beloved parents.”

The celebration, held in the shul hall, was “skillfully led” by the family’s friend, the Shliach Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Gedzh. He invited Rabbi Lazar “to finish writing the Torah scroll,” completing the final letters.

After offering “Divrei Torah and brachos,” Rabbi Lazar presented the donors, Mr. David and Mr. Moshe Yakubov, with a “prestigious certificate along with a dollar and blessings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.” The award was given “on behalf of the charitable organizations in Moscow, which the Yakubov family supports regularly.”

Following the ceremony, the celebration concluded with a festive seudas mitzvah. Guests heard addresses from the Rabbi of the Bolshaya Bronaya shul, Rabbi Yitzhak HaKohen Kogan,  Rabbi Zalman Shimon Deren, and “many distinguished friends and community members.”