The Ohr Avner Chabad Day School of Zhitomir celebrated the opening of its new synagogue. The ceremony was attended by Chief Rabbi of Zhitomir and Western Ukraine Shlomo Wilhelm, the school’s principal Anna Stepanskaya, the school’s rabbi Nachshon Rubin, and all of the students.
Prior to beginning prayers in the new synagogue, Rabbi Rubin cut the red ribbon to officially inaugurate the place of worship, after which everyone was invited to enter the hall.
A telephone conversation then took place with Israeli resident Eliyahu Krupnik, the man whose support made the opening of this synagogue possible. The synagogue was opened in memory of his father, Rabbi Shimshon Krupnik. The students also had the opportunity to speak with the Mr. Krupnik in Hebrew and to express their gratitude.
Rabbi Krupnik told the youngsters a story about their ancestors, who lived in Zhitomir and observed the Torah and the commandments even during the most difficult times. He added that he was very glad to see that these children and teenagers are close to their Jewish heritage and are preserving their religious traditions.