On the morning of his performance, accompanied by his musical ensemble, R’ Avraham Fried made his way to the expansive and beautifully developed campus of the ‘Beit Chaya’ Jewish Orphanage in Moscow, also known as “the Pension.”
The institution operates under the leadership of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, and is managed by Rabbi Menachem Gol and his wife.
The orphanage, which functions under the umbrella of the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC), was built with the generous support of the Keshet Foundation and continues to grow and expand its vital work.
The visit began with a warm and inspiring Shacharit morning prayer service, together with the children. Following the prayer service, the delegation received a comprehensive and moving overview of the orphanage’s founding and ongoing operations. They heard powerful stories illustrating the life-saving impact of the institution, including personal accounts of children who have grown up and been educated there, past and present.
The legendary singer was visibly moved particularly during the tour of the campus, as he witnessed firsthand the extraordinary level of care and investment in the children. No detail is spared in providing exceptional living conditions for youngsters whose life circumstances have, sadly, not been favorable.
From the therapeutic swimming pool and warm mikvah, to the children’s bedrooms, decorated hallways, playrooms, and sports hall — where Fried, world-renowned conductor Yuval Stupel, and pianist Achia Cohen showcased impressive basketball skills — to the dining hall that felt more like a restaurant, and finally the direct and emotional encounter with the children themselves, which evolved into a concert of its own.
“Which songs do you know?” Fried asked the excited children, immediately breaking into a medley of his beloved hits together with them — including the nostalgic “Shalom Aleichem,” “Sheyibaneh Beit HaMikdash,” “Abba,” and many others.
At the children’s request — and with complete enthusiasm on his part — each child took a personal photo with Fried, who made sure no child was left without a smile and a compliment, despite the late hour.
This year, nearly eighty Jewish children from communities across Russia and neighboring countries are being raised and educated at the orphanage. Among them are children who have lost one or both parents, youngsters from broken and severely disadvantaged homes, and children facing complex medical and emotional challenges. Without the orphanage, many of them would be at risk of life-threatening situations or crime, completely disconnected from their Jewish identity.
