On September 19, near the Beit Shvidler Educational Center in Moscow’s Marina Roscha neighborhood, the opening ceremony of the new dormitory for students of the Mesivta Boys’ School took place.
At the opening ceremony, Rabbi Reuven Kuravsky emphasized that this would be a home for Jewish children from all over Russia, as well as from Israel. “This is not just a dormitory – it is a warm home for children who are studying in our school,” stated Rabbi Kuravsky. He described the history of the Mesivta School, which was opened in 1999. He explained that the Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged schools to be opened where youngsters could be educated in the true Chassidic spirit. “Several years ago, one of our buildings burned down. No one was hurt, but our students were left without a roof over their head,” noted Rabbi Kuravsky. Thanks to assistance from Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, FJC Russia President Alexander Boroda, and Gad Semenovich Nisanov, who was named entrepreneur of the year and is the main sponsor of the building, this problem was resolved.
The Mesivta School’s principal, Rabbi Aaron Golovchiner, recalled the words of the Sages to the effect that parents give a child everything needed for their education: “Because this building is exactly what we needed, we can say that our children have another parent – Mr. Nisanov.” Rabbi Golovchiner promised that the students will strive to behave in a manner that will please Mr. Nisanov.
Rabbi Lazar wished Mr. Nisanov much happiness from children – not only from his family, but also from the students of the Mesivta. The Chief Rabbi congratulated the students and also thanked Mr. Boroda for his contribution to this project. Mr. Boroda, in turn, addressed the students, followed by Mr. Nisanov, both of whom wished the students success in their studies.
The students presented Mr. Nisanov with a special gift and thanked him for his help in building their new home. Mr. Nisanov reciprocated by presenting each student with a new Torah book.
Rabbi Lazar, Mr. Boroda and Mr. Nisanov then cut the ribbon at the entrance, along with other rabbis, representatives of municipal authorities and the construction company. All of the guests took a tour of the new building. The dormitory consists of eight bedrooms, each of which accommodates 12 people. In addition to the bedrooms, there is a dining room and recreational areas.
The Mesivta School is part of the largest Jewish educational network in the former Soviet Union, operating under the auspices of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS with support from the Ohr Avner Foundation, headed by Lev Leviev.