In two important Russian cities, the news were received with great joy: new shluchim have been appointed as official city rabbis. This will bring renewed energy to Jewish life and strengthen the existing communities, under the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, which unites hundreds of Jewish communities across the country.
The appointments were made by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, HaGaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, Shlita, after requests from these communities and in light of ongoing Jewish activities there. The need for permanent rabbis who would live locally and serve the community faithfully was clear, as in dozens of other major cities across Russia.
Two brothers from the Feldman family were chosen: Rabbi Gershon Tzvi Feldman to serve in Penza, and his younger brother Rabbi Menachem Mendel Feldman to serve in Obninsk. Both were ordained as rabbis and, since marrying into shlichus families in Moscow, taught in local yeshivos. They now join the “king’s legion” to serve in these cities, bringing Torah guidance and working to perfect the world through Divine service.
Locations: Penza – southeast of Moscow on the Volga River; Obninsk – Kaluga region, on the Protva River, southwest of Moscow.
Before departing, the rabbis visited the Chief Rabbi, Shlita, to receive guidance and blessings for success in their holy work. Proud and excited fathers-in-law joined them: Rabbi Moshe Rochlin, teacher and lecturer at the Chomesh Institute, and Rabbi Yisrael Feldreshov, Kashrut supervisor at the Chief Rabbinate of Russia.
After a festive “L’Chaim”, the rabbis’ families received an elegant challah tray for Shabbos, which they will bring to their new cities. They have already begun activities there during Chanukah and Purim and are now energetically preparing for public Pesach seders, shiurim, and distributing matzah to all the Jewish residents.
Photo credit: Mevaser Tov, Moscow
Hatzlacha rabba.
Moshiach now!
Hatzlacha Rabba!