Rustam Minnikhanov opens the country’s first regional Centre for Torah Studies in Kazan

On November 8, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Kazan and Tatarstan Yitzhak Gorelik, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities Alexander Boroda and other guests took part in an opening ceremony of the country’s first regional Centre for Torah Studies in Kazan.

Speaking at the event, Tatarstan President noted that the opening of the new centre is of great importance for the republic.

Berl Lazar thanked the leadership of Tatarstan for the great support rendered to the local Jewish community. He said that until now Russia has had only one center for Torah Studies located in Moscow. "I should say that you are very fortunate to have such a President, such a rabbi and such wonderful results," Chief rabbi of Russia addressed the participants of the ceremony. "The approach of the republic's leadership to the needs and wills of various communities, the assistance and support that the region provides to all peoples living in the republic is very wise and right."

The president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia stressed that spiritual development is something that young people of different nationalities and different faiths need. "There is no doubt that thanks to this center people will not only understand the basic postulates of the Torah and the Talmud's interpretations, but will also absorb moral values, which are extremely necessary today, " he said.

Then, Minnikhanov, Berl Lazar and other honoured guests looked around the new center, visited classrooms and a prayer hall.

Minnikhanov also handed in the Letter of Commendation of Tatarstan President to Chief Rabbi of Kazan and Tatarstan Yitzhak Gorelik for his contribution to the development of spiritual and moral values and the strengthening of interfaith peace and harmony.