Cleaning a Jewish cemetery in southern RussiaLimpiando un cementerio judío en el sur de Rusia
Rabbi Avrasin cleaning up the cemetery in Vysoky
Every year, on the Jewish holiday of L’ag B’Omer, the Subbotnik Jews of Vysoky, Russia, have a tradition to clean up the local Jewish cemetery. They meticulously remove fallen trees, get rid of any trash that may have accumulated, and take special care to protect the graves of relatives and loved ones.
This year, 30 Subbotnik Jews visited the cemetery. They were joined by Shavei Israel’s emissary to Russia, Rabbi Zelig Avrasin.
“The cemetery is something central to the traditions of the Subbotnik Jews in Vysoky,” Rabbi Avrasin explains. “They are very proud of it. They even make festive meals there on special occasions.”
Rabbi Avrasin’s presence during L’ag B’Omer also gave the community the opportunity to delve deeper into Jewish texts. During his visit, nine educational sessions, totaling 27 hours, were arranged, Rabbi Avrasin reports. Subjects taught included how to keep a kosher kitchen; the traditions relating to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot [which took place over this past weekend] including study of the Book of Ruth, which is read during services on the holiday; and the completion of the community’s reading of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish community in Vysoky. During his visit, Rabbi Avrasin spoke before a rapt audience of local villagers and guests. We have pictures of the event here.
The educational and anniversary events concluded with Friday evening services, led by Rabbi Avrasin, followed by Kiddush and a traditional Shabbat meal, which was attended by 25 Subbotnik Jews.
We have pictures from the cemetery clean up here.
The Subbotnik Jews of Vysoky live in a remote area, far removed from Russia’s larger Jewish centers. Shavei Israel is dedicated to assisting them. If you would like to support our efforts, please click here.
Rabbi Avrasin limpiando el cementerio de Vysoky
Cada año, para la festividad de Lag Baomer, los judíos subotniks de Vysoky, Rusia, tienen la tradición de limpiar el cementerio local. Meticulosamente remueven los árboles, sacan toda la basura que se ha acomulado durante el año, y cuidan dedicadamente las tumbas de los parientes y de los amados.
Este año, 30 judíos subotniks visitaron el cementerio. A éstos, se les unió el emisario de Shavei Israel en Rusia, el Rabino Shlomo Zelig Avrasin.
“El cementerio es central para la tradición de los judíos subotniks en Vysoky”, dijo el Rabino Avrasin. “Están muy orgullosos del mismo. Incluso realizan comidas festivas allí, en ocasiones especiales”.
La presencia del Rabino Avrasin en Lag Baomer, le brindó a la comunidad la oportunidad de profundizar sobre textos judíos. Durante su visita, nueve sesiones educacionales tuvieron lugar, en total 27 hs de estudio. Los temas estudiados incluyeron cómo mantener una cocina kasher; las tradiciones relativas a la festividad de shavuot, incluyendo el libro de Rut, el cual es leído durante los servicios de la festividad; y el libro de Vaikrá.
Este año, es el aniversario no.90 del establecimiento de la comunidad judía de Vysoky. Durante su visita, el Rabino Avrasin habló ante una audiencia local e invitados.
Los eventos educativos y el aniversario, concluyeron con un servicio de kabalat shabat, liderado por el Rabino Avrasin, luego tuvo lugar un kidush y la tradicional comidad de shabat, a la cual asistieron 25 judíos subotniks.
Puede ver fotos de la limpieza del cementerio aquí.
Los judíos subotniks viven en un área remota, lejos de los centros judíos rusos. Shavei Israel se dedica a asistirlos. Si desea apoyar nuestros esfuerzos, haga click aquí.