In Russia’s capital, the new soup kitchen of the ‘Shaarei Tsedek’ Charity Center has already begun operation, at a capacity of serving hot lunches to a minimum of 600 clients per day. This is just the start, however, given that the dining room can actually accommodate up to 2,000 persons.

The Kashrut Department of the Chief Rabbinate of Russia are providing assistance to guarantee the koshrut of the kitchen and dining room. “Of course the first stage was a lot of work,” explained Marina Kogan, a staff member for this new project. “A housewarming can always be demanding. We are also organizing the delivery of lunches and taking measures to ensure they remain hot. I think we have reached a new level of service with the opening of the soup kitchen.”

The soup kitchen that was formerly run by ‘Shaarei Tsedek’ was located in their previous building, which was in poor shape. In comparison, the new dining hall provides a much more pleasing environment for visitors. In fact, it was in this very same room that Purim celebrations took place, as well as Passover Seders for staff of the Charity Center.

Special attention is given to the selection on the menu, which includes hot appetizers, main courses of meat and fish, salads, baked goods, and fruit. On its first day of operation last week, there was a surprise in store for its clients, with everyone receiving a package of chocolate imprinted with the words “Shaarei Tsedek”. This dynamic Charity Center is situated in the Marina Roscha neighborhood, near the Moscow Jewish Community Center.

(Source: FJC)