Sukkos in Moscow: Dancing in the Streets and Tefilos for the Hostages, Released Captive Performs Mitzvah of 4 Minim

Hundreds of Jews gathered in Moscow’s central shul, Marina Roshcha, on Yom Tov, where the simcha became so strong that mispalelim danced in the streets.

The large Sukkah, commissioned by the Chief Rabbi Harav Berel Lazar shlita, featured abundant 4 Minim for people to use, festive seudos for hundreds of participants, and nightly Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebrations that even spilled into the streets. The main shul hall was packed with mispalelim and talmidim, and Rav Lazar led a moving Havdalah after Yom Tov.

Amid the celebrations, Rav Lazar sent a special gift to Yosef Alexander (Sasha) Tropanov, released from terrorist captivity in Gaza: an elegant set of 4 Minin featuring a Calabrian esrog, known as a “yanever,” a favorite of Lubavitch chasidim. The gesture was meant to continue the ongoing support for Sasha’s family.

“Last year, when I was in captivity, I never imagined I would be able to fulfill this mitzvah,” Sasha said, visibly moved. He expressed his heartfelt hope that all remaining captives will soon return home and be able to celebrate Sukkos with their families next year.

Moscow’s kitchens worked tirelessly to prepare holiday meals, while photographer Levi Nazarov captured the celebrations,from the 4 Minim to the street dancing.

Following Rav Lazar’s guidance, the guest room in the Sukkah of the central shul, “Grishas Zimmer,” was open to the public throughout Sukkos, from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., offering light refreshments and a variety of drinks. Visitors enjoyed the spacious Sukkah and its festive atmosphere, partaking in abundant food and strengthening their spirits.

This year’s Sukkos celebrations carried a special significance: the joy of the holiday was intertwined with fervent tefilos for the kidnapped, and with the hope that next year, all abductees will return home to celebrate Sukkos freely and joyfully with their families.