A Hachnosas Sefer Torah took place this week as part of a celebration commemorating 130 years since the founding of the oldest synagogue in Russia, located in Irkutsk, Siberia.
Hundreds of Jewish residents turned out for the celebration, which was the second one this month for the large Siberian city. Irkutsk Rabbi Aharon Wagner, explained the significance of the hakhel year and relayed greetings from Rabbi Berel Lazar, chief Rabbi of Russia.
A local orchestra entertained the emotional crowd with Chabad nigunim at this historic event.
The sefer Torah was donated by Irkutsk resident R’ Nosson Tzvi Rubin, in his mother’s memory.
