(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

With the conclusion of the Mezuza Bank Project, during which thousands of mezuzas were put up in Jewish homes across Russia, this week a new innitiative was announced by Chief Rabbi of Russia, Berl Lazar.

It was at the grand Sheva Brachos celebration of Menachem Mendel and Chana Tzivia Lazar, when the groom’s father, Rabbi Berl Lazar, announced the start of a special new initiative: The Tefillin Bank. This came after the extremely successful “Mezuza Bank”, which helped thousands of Jews put up mezuzas in their home free of charge, thanks to generous individuals who sponsored them. Needless to say, these mezuzas were just the first step for many of these families, who continued to take on more mitzvos as a result.

The wedding, which took place last week in the center of Berlin, was a tremendous Kidush Hashem as hundreds of people from the Jewish community of Berlin came to celebrate together with their Rabbi and mentor, father of the bride, Yehuda Teichtel. As Chief Rabbi of Berlin, Rabbi Teichtel has turned the city into a place of Torah, Yiras Shamayim, and Chesed for the many Jews residing there.

A grand Sheva Brachos celebration was held in Moscow at the elegant Zhukovka Chabad House, with many esteemed guests, Rabbis, and public figures in attendance. It was during this event that Rabbi Lazar announced the start of the new initiative, commemorating fifty years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe started “Mivtza Tefillin”. That very same evening, the first three pairs of Tefillin were already presented to three proud young men who had committed to “wrapping up” daily, but for lack of funds, had been using borrowed Tefillin until now. Their joy at receiving this priceless gift knew no bounds.

As the celebration continued, a few generous individuals stepped up to sponsor more sets of Tefillin, so that even more Jews will be able to take on this special mitzvah, which will undoubtedly lead to the fulfillment of many, many more.

Photos: Levi Nazarov