The Jewish community of Tula celebrated the opening of a new Jewish Community Center. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar participated in the opening ceremony this week. Also participating was Chief Rabbi of the
Central Federal District Zeev Wagner, representatives of federal, regional and municipal authorities, and members of the local Jewish community.
“The Jewish community of Tula is growing rapidly. We decided to do everything possible to obtain an appropriate building for the local Jewish community, where they can pray and be involved in organized communal life,” Rabbi Lazar stated in his speech. He congratulated everyone on the new year and, together with other participants in the ceremony, officially cut the ribbon at the entrance to the community center, as well as affixing a mezuzah at the entrance. Then the ceremony continued in the prayer hall.
Community members told stories about how they had dreamed of building a new synagogue. Just two years ago, they did not even conceive that the object of this celebration could have been possible. Donations from community members and local entrepreneurs helped bring these plans to life, producing this beautiful modern synagogue.
Today synagogues are opening in almost every city in Russia. This is a basic need for people who want to connect with their roots. This is indeed very important for both the present and future generations.
“For hundreds of years, Tula has been home to people of different faiths and nationalities,” noted Denis Bychkov, the Minister of Education and Culture of the Tula Regional Administration. “There are now more than 20 religious denominations active in this region. The challenge of such centers is to preserve cultural traditions and teach greater societal tolerance. I believe that the Jewish community does a lot in this regard.”
The Jewish community of Tula is a proud member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia. Its Chairman is Lev Reichlin. Today, the community operates a library, youth club, and the Alevay klezmer band. Children attend the Gan Israel summer camp, organized by the Moscow Jewish community. As well, seminars are held for the heads of smaller Jewish communities in Tula and surrounding region, together with other communities of the Central Russia region. The Tula community is also the patron of two orphanages.