Those that know me well are likely surprised to see this title.
Though I deeply connected to my Judaism, I am not overly observant, and finding me at an ultra orthodox synagogue on Shabbat is extremely unlikely. But in Russia everything is different and anything is possible.
The Chabad community in Russia is extremely sophisticated and reaches out not only the ultra orthodox community to but all Jews. A colleague of mine at JDC, Anna, is very active and invited me to join her for Shabbat dinner.
It turns out that a rabbi and his wife have organized an English speaking Shabbat dinner once a month.
Low key on the religion, but high on community, this dinner brings together American and other foreign ex-pats and Russians who speak English and like Jacob and Rivky (the rabbi and his wife).
There was a short shabbat service — blessings over wine, challah and a chorus of shalom alechim, followed by a wonderful shabbat dinner of salads, chicken soup, meat and potatoes. Just like shabbat at home.
At one point during the meal we all stopped to introduce ourselves. More than 40 of us around the table all sharing what we liked about Moscow.
Once again, in a place thousands of miles away from home, I felt a part of community — a community I would have never joined at home.
And because it’s such a small world, it turns our that there was a girl from Chicago studying abroad who was a Parker grad. Her dad was there as well, and the family knows the Baumgartens back in Chicago. Mara and Lauren, I’m sorry I forgot the last name, but the girl is name Micah and is probably 22 or 23.
blue elf 