As a sign of respect for the Jewish community of Irkutsk, the city authorities have prohibited drivers from parking automobiles near the central synagogue in Irkutsk on Shabbat. The new regulation became law at the beginning of this week.
This decision shows the respect that the City of Irkutsk and its officials have for the local Jewish community and its religious traditions. Car-owners who live near the synagogue were approached and agreed in advance to this act of respect to the Jewish community.
"We are grateful to the municipal authorities for taking considering our community’s needs," commented Chief Rabbi of Irkutsk Aaron Wagner, who is also a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary. “Respect for our religious traditions and the attention that the municipal authorities have shown to the needs of the Jewish community are a direct result of the excellent relations enjoyed between the Jewish community and residents of Irkutsk”.
On Tuesday, signs werer posted near the synagogue entrance prohibiting drivers from parking in that zone between 4 p.m. on Friday to 8 p.m. on Saturday, covering the hours of Shabbat throughout the year.
The Jewish community of Irkutsk – the largest Jewish community in eastern Siberia – is thriving today, thanks to such good public relations, active community members and the steady guidance of its leaders, such as Rabbi Wagner and Vladimir Chazanov, the community’s chairman.