In the city of Ulyanovsk, Russia, reconstruction of the Jewish Community Center is entering its final phase. Already last year, community members were able to benefit from the work that had been completed, when a kosher food shop and a Judaica store. The sanctuary was used for services this past Rosh Hashana and has been a place of prayer and worship since that time. Classrooms have also been completed and have been in use throughout the year.
When construction is complete, the building will also host a youth club and offices for the community’s leadership. The hall of the JCC bears plaques with the names of the donors who made the renovations and construction possible. With the help of a sponsor from Ulyanovsk, who is a furniture manufacturer, the JCC will also have a magnificent wooden staircase.
The nearly-completed Jewish Community Center also boasts a newly opened soup kitchen. Over two dozen elderly and needy Jews currently enjoy a nutritious, kosher hot cooked meal each day. For home-bound elderly community members, the center’s staff delivers the meals directly to them. The soup kitchen is run in cooperation with Joint Distribution Committee.