In preparation for Shabbos Parshas Behar-Bechukosai and Shabbos Chazak, around fifty rabbis from across Russian cities came together for Shabbos Achdus in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. This inspiring gathering, held ahead of the holiday of Matan Torah, followed the spiritual guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe from forty years ago: to strengthen oneself for Matan Torah as “one man with one heart.”
Rabbis from across Greater Russia, including cities in Russia and Belarus, traveled to take part in this now-annual event. The Shabbos included a series of workshops and consultations, where the rabbis shared practical advice and insights on halachic matters. The common goal was clear—to strengthen Yiddishkeit in every corner of Russia and ensure that every Jew, no matter where he may live, has the opportunity to embrace his Jewish identity. This was especially meaningful for the younger generation.
The event took place under the leadership of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berel Lazar Shlita, and marked the 25th anniversary of Rabbi Binyamin HaCohen Wagner’s arrival in Krasnoyarsk. This special Shabbos was held in the city itself—a thriving Jewish community built over the years through the tireless efforts of Rabbi Wagner and his family. Their dedication restored the crown of Jewish life in Krasnoyarsk to its former glory, establishing a shul and many other institutions along the way.
On Erev Shabbos, a government ceremony was held in the synagogue’s courtyard in honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. A memorial monument was dedicated in memory of the hundreds of Jewish soldiers from Krasnoyarsk who had fought the Nazis and whose burial places remain unknown to this day.
Throughout Shabbos, participants were uplifted by heartfelt tefillos, delicious meals, insightful shiurim, and inspiring farbrengens. These moments were filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve as shluchim of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Russia. The experience left a lasting impact on the city’s Jewish residents, many of whom were seeing such a large group of rabbis gathered in their city for the first time.
A festive atmosphere filled the streets of Krasnoyarsk over those few days. Members of the community took part in preparing and organizing the event, contributing to its tremendous success—a true kiddush Hashem.
One particularly moving highlight was the participation of young rabbis—descendants of those who had served in Russian communities generations ago. Inspired by the examples they grew up with, these young men are now returning to their hometowns, one by one, to help build strong and respectable Jewish communities.
During the event, numerous ideas were shared among the rabbis, including those from Georgia and Uzbekistan. Many new collaborations were formed to address the needs of Jews in smaller, scattered communities across the country.
With joy and renewed energy, the rabbis left Krasnoyarsk uplifted and inspired—ready to continue their holy work. As the holiday of Matan Torah approached, they returned to their communities, more committed than ever to supporting Jewish life and education, especially for the next generation of children and grandchildren of the shluchim.
Many Shlichim took advantage and came a few days earlier in order to take part in the Bar Mitzva celebration of Rabbi Wagner’s son, as well as the engagement party of Rabbi Wagner’s daughter to the son of Rabbi Meyers, Shliach to Orenburg in Russia.
Photography: Alexander Kuptzov
Inspiring