he Jewish community of Ramenskoye (about 30 miles south-east of Moscow), in the Moscow Region, celebrated the inauguration of its new synagogue. The synagogue is a replica of “770” Eastern Parkway, Lubavitcher World Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York.
The project was initiated by Rabbi Yitzchak Kogan, the spiritual leader of the Bolshaya Bronnaya synagogue and a devoted Jewish leader of Russian Jewry. Several hundred people attended the celebration, among them Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, many other well-known rabbis and businessmen, members of the Moscow Jewish community and representatives of local government authorities.
The inauguration ceremony was opened by the first deputy head of administration of the Ramenskoye district, Oleg Borisov, who congratulated the Jewish community upon the completion of this new spiritual center. Mr. Borisov noted that the district leadership will continue to support the local Jewish community’s development. "The establishment of the Ramenskoye Jewish Center shows that there is tolerance by the authorities and good neighborly relations between the different faiths and ethnic groups living in our area," commented Mr. Borisov.
Rabbi Lazar said that the opening of a new synagogue is a special day for every Jew. "Lubavitch Chassidism originated in Czarist Russia. A replica of 770 in the Moscow Region symbolizes the return of the spirit of Chassidism to Jewish communities in modern Russia. This replica of the building where the Rebbe spent most of his waking hours suggests that Russian Jews are eager to learn about their great Jewish heritage and live lives guided by Jewish values and traditions,” stated Rabbi Lazar.
Rabbi Kogan added that the new building will include one of the faculties of the International Institute of Practical Judaism, which operates out of the community synagogue at Bolshaya Bronnaya. The opening ceremony concluded with the dedication of new Torah scrolls.