In Yerevan, the Mordechai Navi Jewish Community Center was re-opened after major renovations. The reconstruction work on the building (as well as the updating of office equipment and furniture) was carried out in an unbelievably short time – just 20 days. In addition, the project’s sponsor is not Jewish – he is Armenian businessman David Galstyan.
Much attention was paid to the official opening ceremony by government authorities. Among those invited to the celebration were the Assistant to the President of Armenia, the Head of the Department of Religious Affairs and National Minorities of Armenia, and Armenia’s Minister of Culture.
From Moscow, Rabbi Dovid Karpov of the “Darkei Shalom” Synagogue in Otradnoye was the representative. He was also the representative of Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, who is also the Head of the Board of Rabbis of the CIS Countries, who was unable to attend.
All Jewish community members attending this celebration were very pleased with the building’s new facade, some having expressed their feeling as a “wave of joy.” The building of the Mordechai Navi Center – the country's only synagogue – has truly been transformed through this extensive initiative.
Though the building did not gain any space, the renovations have transformed it into a much more impressive building. The official part of the ceremony began with Mezuzahs being affixed to the doorposts of the entrance to each of the building’s three floors.
In his speech, Chief Rabbi of Armenia Gershon Burstein – who is also a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary serving in this region – highlighted the enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated by the builders under the direction of Nikolai Khachaturov, a businessman in the field of construction and a friend of David Galstyan.
Working at virtually all hours of the day, all participants in the renovation process felt the importance of this building being the community’s spiritual center. After the guests left, Rabbi Karpov lead the afternoon “Mincha” prayer.