The Jewish community in the Northwest district of Moscow now has its own Jewish community center. The center is located in office space on the first floor of a new, high-rise apartment building.
The community celebrated the opening of the new center on October 17. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar affixed the first mezuzah on the entrance to the center, while the second mezuzah was affixed by Rabbi Abraham Lifshitz, who serves the city’s Northwest District. The third mezuzah was affixed by Mr. Ekman Davidov, a leading businessman and key patron of the center.
Rabbi Lazar compared the new center to the tent of Abraham, which welcomed travellers regardless of their nationality. The rabbi expressed his hope that the new JCC will become an open place for people from all walks of life. He also recalled the words of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to the effect that a Chabad center is unique in that its doors are never closed; it is open 24/7.
The Chief Rabbi praised the energy and initiative of Rabbi Lifshitz, noting that few people imagined that Moscow could sustain another vibrant community. But Rabbi Lifshitz succeeded in doing just that. "May G-d allow this new center to grow so that very soon the allocated space becomes too small for its activities and participants," commented Rabbi Lazar.
The director of the Mesivta High School for Boys, Rabbi Chaim Chaim Oizer Amirgof, said that he has known Rabbi Lifshitz for many years and that knowing Rabbi Lifshitz’s energy, the center will be open 24/8! Rabbi Amirgof also wished Rabbi Lifshitz success in developing the community further and recommended that one of his first new undertakings be the opening of a a Jewish kindergarten in the near future.
The chairman of the local community, Mikhail Schupak, wished a long life to his community and expressed hope that Rabbi Lifshitz continue to be successful in building a strong Chassidic spirit.
"At first we met in private apartments but as we expanded, the need to find larger premises was felt. We tried various avenues and with G-d's help, we have obtained this space," commented Rabbi Lifshitz. Rabbi Lifshitz also noted the authorities’ positive attitude to the center. The district council gave permission for the center to build a sukka, despite the fact that some of the building’s tenants were displeased. "We were visited by various inspectors, but upon seeing the Council’s permission, they withdrew their complaints," explained Rabbi Lifshitz. Rabbi Lifshitz emphasized that religious programming will be a priority for the new community center.