FJC’s Jewish community in Oryol, Russia celebrated the inauguration of a new Torah scroll last week – the first one for Oryol’s recently reclaimed synagogue. The ceremony was attended by the chief rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar along with numerous city and region administration officials, community members and guests from neighboring regions.

The transfer of the historic synagogue last year became a strong sign of rejuvenation for the all the region’s Jewish residents, said rabbi Lazar. “The community is currently completing a project for a new Jewish community center, which will be constructed on the large land plot also provided by the region’s administration. The center will host various extracurricular activities for children and youth as well as an elderly member’s club,” he said.

The new Torah scroll, which was donated by one of active community members, Lazar Safaniyev, marks the beginning of a new page for the region’s community, said the chief rabbi of Oryol Alexander Grishin. “Oryol’s Jewish community was founded in 1999 as part of the FJC. Since then, the community provides numerous humanitarian aid, educational and child care services. We only hope that recent developments will allow us to grow these services in depth and scope,” he said.

The inauguration celebration was completed with traditional singing and dancing and a festive meal for the community members and guests.