Near Putin's house in Russia a magnificent synagogue was built

Russia has always served as one of the outstanding examples of uncompromising regimes, the opposite of a democracy, and certainly the most prominent countries who objected to anything smelling of Judaism.

There, how great was the surprise when the current Russian president, Vladimir Putin welcomed the opening of the luxurious Jewish center - near his home and his administration officials, the most governmental neighborhood that exists in Moscow, the suburb of Zhokovka.

The Jewish Center features a luxurious shul, guest rooms, mikvehs, a banquet hall, classrooms, library, etc., is spread over a very wide area in the neighborhood of Putin, who encouraged the construction of the synagogue adjusted for about 250 worshipers.

The center which was inaugurated at a moving ceremony, was designed and furnished carefully, with attention to detail and the needs of the congregation, among others, designed for the synagogue were: an impressive and stately Aron Kodesh which stands to the height of 6 meters in its own right and is not against the wall. In addition, other items have been designed and manufactured including a mobile bimah for Torah reading, decorated tables, chairs and benches with decorative laser engraving, lectern with carvings and moldings, magnificent facilities with special candles covered with marble, doors which are designed and unique that include components of glass and laser engraving art, libraries and artistic wall coverings . All designs are blue and white and made by Lavi Furniture Industries of Kibbutz Lavi, specializing in furniture and accessories for synagogues throughout Israel and in Jewish communities around the world.

The festive ceremony took place in the evening of the first candle of Chanukah, attended by the governor of Moscow, Amadrei Varbaiov, Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, president of the Association of Communities in Russia, Alexander Pink, Israel's ambassador to Russia, Zvi Hefetz, public figures and rabbis. The ceremony was opened by Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Lau who was honored to light the first candle.

Interestingly, a few days after the ceremony, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Lazar and Rabbi Boroda met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his office in the Kremlin - and gave him a photo album of new Jewish center. During the meeting, President Putin congratulated the rabbis on the founding of the synagogue and promised that he would come to visit the place as soon as possible.
Rabbi Boroda: "Putin's reception was warm and cordial. He apologized that he could not come to the ceremony and congratulated us for Hanukah. He even demonstrated proficiency when it comes to the story of Hanukkah and symbols, and later expressed his impression at the design of the center in general and the synagogue in particular."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!