The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Alexander Avdeev and the Governor of the Tomsk Region Victor Kress, visited the Tomsk Synagogue, which is currently in the last stage of full-scale restoration.
Because the Tomsk Synagogue is one of the oldest buildings in this Siberian city, some of the funds used for its renovations were provided by the Russian government. Minister Avdeev came to see how the restoration work is progressing.
Chief Rabbi of Tomsk Levi Kaminetsky welcomed the distinguished guests, including Tomsk Mayor Nikolay Nikolaichuk and Сhairman of the City Council Boris Maltsev.
Rabbi Kaminetsky gave the visitors a tour of the synagogue and spoke about the Jewish community’s activities, and its relationship with municipal and regional administrations. Mr. Avdeev was impressed with the speed and quality of the reconstruction work. Rabbi Kamenetsky informed the guests that he expects the work to be completed in September shortly before the Jewish New Year.
At the end of the visit, Mr. Avdeev showed his appreciation for the work of the Tomsk Synagogue by giving a personal donation to be used for one of the many charitable programs of the synagogue.