At the Maryina Roshcha Jewish Center in Moscow, preparations for Passover are well underway, with a significant increase in the distribution of hand-baked shmura matzah (specially prepared unleavened bread) and the organization of public Seder (holiday ritual) meals across the city.
Kimcha D’Pischa Project
This year’s Kimcha D’Pischa (Passover food aid) initiative was held on an especially large scale, coordinated through the “Shaarei Tzedek Jewish Chesed Center”, with special logistical planning to account for the snowy, wintry weather. Hundreds of families received boxes containing all their holiday essentials: shmura matzah, wine, fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Dozens of staff members and volunteers assisted in the food distribution efforts.
The matzah distribution began right after the holiday of Purim, with the central synagogue serving as the main hub for public pickup. Meanwhile, kosher stores around the city offered a wide selection of products and ready-made dishes for those unable to cook for themselves.
“Every Jew in Russia Will Feel the Holiday of Freedom”
The Jewish community also made sure to provide accessible guidance on Passover laws and customs, including a special Russian-language guide for this year’s Seder, which falls on a Saturday night. A central Seder will be held by Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Berel Lazar, alongside dozens of community Seders across the city’s neighborhoods, organized by Chabad emissaries under the direction of Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, head of Moscow’s Jewish community.
Special efforts were also made to reach isolated populations—Jewish prisoners, for example, received matzah and grape juice in advance, and a full Seder will be held in Moscow’s Butyrka Prison. “We’ve done everything possible to ensure that every Jew in Moscow, and across Russia as a whole, feels the spirit of the Holiday of Freedom,” said the Moscow Jewish Community leadership.
