It’s been an exciting few years for Russian Jewry, with many smaller communities erecting their very own beautiful shuls and community centers. The latest is the Jewish community of the central Russian city of Ivanovo, which just this week opened a synagogue.
In recent decades, the city has seen significant growth due to a number of new industries, including the country’s large hummus plant, under the kosher supervision of the Russian chief rabbinate. More than 400,000 people currently live in Ivanovo.
The shul is part of a new campus in the city center that includes classrooms, Sunday-school facilities, a library, a kosher cafeteria and social-service offices. There are plans for the construction of a mikvah as well.
Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar presided over the opening festivities, which were attended by Ivanovo Mayor Alexei Khokhlov, other dignitaries and representatives of the local Jewish community.