Newly erected "Menorah", Chief Rabbi of Russia visits Ulyanovsk

The Jewish Community Center of Ulyanovsk hosted the opening ceremony of a Menorah monument, the traditional symbol of faith, courage and pride.

The ceremony was attended by Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar, the Governor, Sergei Morozov, First Secretary of Israeli Embassy in Russia, Shlomo Voskoboinik, Chabad Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Ulyanovsk, Rabbi Yosef Morozov, Chairman of the Jewish Community, Igor Dabakarov, representatives of municipal authorities, members of the local Jewish community and visitors from other cities of the Volga region.

Russia's Chief Rabbi, Berel Lazar, said that Jews should no longer hide the commitment of national traditions in Russia today. Jews can openly follow the laws of faith and should be proud of the activities of the Jewish community. Rabbi Berel Lazar thanked the authorities for the cooperation and goodwill towards the community.

Chairman of the Jewish community of Ulyanovsk, Igor Dabakarov sang the psalms of David, after which Rabbi Yosef Morozov Ulyanovsk lifted the veil from the menorah.

The Menorah was donated and arranged by the board of trustees.

After the ceremony, Rabbi Morozov showed the guests the community center and synagogue, which according to him, no longer meets the needs of his growing community.

During this very important visit, Rabbi Lazar and The Governor took a tour of the Jewish Center. Afterwards they had a meeting where the Governor promised Rabbi Lazar that within 2 months the Jewish Center of Ulyanovsk shall receive a piece of land in the center of the city to build a proper Jewish Center and Synagogue. As Rabbi Lazar pointed out, that the current Jewish Center is not only rented but it is extremely small for all the various functions needed for a Jewish community. 

During this meeting, the Governor took special interest in photos of children’s programs run by the Jewish Community. Rabbi Lazar took special notice of the community’s nice calendar, which he asked for an extra copy to show to the donors of our community who reside in Moscow.

After the Governor and Rabbi Lazar finished talking, they had dinner together in Cafe Jerusalem, a small cafe situated in the Jewish center, together with other important guests, who all gave toasts to the success of the Jewish Center of Ulyanovsk.

In talks with the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berel Lazar and the leaders of the Jewish community of Ulyanovsk, Governor Sergei Morozov said that he had signed a decree on the allocation of land in the city center to build a new, modern Jewish Community Center.