On October 5, the Great Choral Synagogue in Russia’s northern capital hosted a post- Rosh Hashanah banquet.
Guests included leading representatives of science, art and culture, diplomats and the business elite, managers and members of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish community.
Among them were S. Petersburg Governor G.S. Poltavchenko and Legislative Assembly Chairman V.A. Tyulpanov. Governor Poltavchenko said that the Great Choral Synagogue is one of the structures that beautifies the city, noted the Jewish community’s commitment to “promoting S. Petersburg as a city of high culture.” The governor concluded his speech by saying, “May you and your loved ones be recorded in the Book of Life!”
Community leaders read out congratulatory messages for the Jewish new year from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Israeli President Shimon Peres. The choir from the Ohr Menachem Jewish Day School performed, introducing a festive atmosphere.
The banquet also included the annual “Man of the Year” award ceremony, otherwise known as “Arevim.” The Hebrew word “arevim” means that we are all responsible one for another. This title was bestowed on three members of the local Jewish community: one of the oldest community members, Israel-Wolf Baron -- for preserving Jewish traditions and being a personal example; a leader of the Georgian Jewish community, Jakov Pichkhadze -- for his active contribution to the development of Jewish life in the city; and philanthropist Valery Benaguev -- for his active and dedicated participation in community affairs. The event ended with the presentation of a special edition of the Pentateuch to members of the Board of Trustees and sponsors of the Jewish community’s activities.