A series of lectures on Jewish topics are beginning in two prisons in the Moscow region. The classes will be taught by Rabbi Aaron Gurevich, head of FJC Russia’s Department for Cooperating with the Military, the Ministry of Emergency Affairs and Law Enforcement Agencies, together with staff members of the Chief Rabbinate of Russia. The lectures are taking place at the Matrosskaya Tishina facility (“Detention Center 1”) and the Butyrka facility (“Detention Center 2”).
In 2007 and again in 2010, the Federal Penitentiary Service and the FJC met and came to an agreement regarding providing spiritual guidance and support for Jewish inmates. “This new project clearly demonstrates the improvement in cultural relations between the State and people of faith in Russia. We are very pleased that the administration of these detention centers agreed to these lectures,” stated Rabbi Gurevich.
Recently, Rabbi Gurevich was awarded the Silver Medal of Merit “for service for the penal system.” Rabbi Gurevich was presented this award at a meeting of the Public Council under the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia (the Russian Federal Penal Service).
Unfortunately, at present, there are about 1,200 Jewish inmates in Russian penitentiaries, 400 of whom openly identify as Jews and are in contact with Rabbi Gurevich’s department. Rabbi Gurevich and other Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries are reaching out to these Jews, providing them with guidance and information, as well as literature and humanitarian assistance. In addition to learning opportunities, the FJC also provides venues for worship purposes and events for Jewish holidays.