Tel Aviv's 1st Russian-speaking congregation says 'da' to young progressives

It was an unlikely setting for a synagogue opening. Upward of 100 people milled around sipping cocktails in Tel Aviv’s swanky Sarona neighborhood on August 26 as a saxophonist serenaded them with the reedy tones of smooth jazz. A red carpet led up to the synagogue building, which was erected in the early 20th century in the former German Templer colony.

Passersby were surprised to see the glitzy event spilling out onto the street. They were even more surprised to discover they were witnessing a synagogue dedication.

There was plenty of reason to celebrate. Four years ago in May 2017, Rabbi Yosef Khersonsky, the leader of this new flock, was ordered to leave Russia by a Moscow district court. Now, the Chabad rabbi was inaugurating Tel Aviv’s first synagogue geared specifically toward Russian speakers.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/tel-avivs-1st-russian-speaking-congregation-says-da-to-young-progressives/