Chabad of Moldova was first founded in 1990. Rabbi Zalman Abelsky and his wife, Leah Abelsky, were sent by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to be the first Shluchim to Moldova.
Since 1990, Chabad of Moldova has brought an abundance of Jewish life to Moldova and continues to grow and expand its outreach activities. Chabad of Moldova reaches out and welcomes every Jew, offering material and spiritual assistance to all. With the unconditional love and acceptance for which Chabad is famous, every Jew can find a sympathetic ear and helping hand, and answers to any questions they may have about Jewish life and practice.
Chabad Moldova has and will continue to bring about real change and facilitate education, fight poverty, and provide community outreach.
Ukrainian Refugees:
The war in Ukraine has captured international attention for months. Stories of the conflict have headlined newspaper columns and live broadcasts ever since the hostilities began many months ago. The states neighboring Ukraine have seen and are seeing a great influx of refugees but are struggling to cope with the flood of people coming to their borders. As USA Today and Yahoo News amongst others reported, Chabad Moldova has been at the forefront of rescuing Jews trapped in Ukraine and providing them with shelter and relief when they reach Moldova. Over 20,000 refugees and residents of Ukraine were welcomed and helped by Chabad Moldova.
Care for Kishinev:
Hunger and frost are the key words now in the poorest country in Europe. If it was always difficult for an ordinary person to survive, now since the war broke out the situation has gotten much worse. Fuel and gas prices have soared to unprecedented heights. The price of gas for heating has become five times more expensive. Electricity has also become more expensive, and food products have also become significantly more expensive. Chabad Moldova has made it their mission to help the local Jews at this difficult time.
Student Outreach:
Tens of Israeli students study in Moldova's medical colleges. They spend up to eight years learning in Kishinev and depend on Chabad of Moldova for connection to Judaism and community. We create special programs for them, host them for Shabbat meals, and spend many hours giving them a feeling of home away from home in Moldova.
Bar Mitzvah Mission:
Most parents want their children to have a bar or bat mitzvah celebration, and be called up to the Torah before their families and friends and join the Jewish people with their new role of civic duty. In Moldova, having a bar or bat mitzvah is so much more. It is the determination and proof that the Jewish nation survives, lives on and flourishes despite the atrocity that once filled this country. Giving these Moldovan families the spirituality and helping them connect to their roots has tremendously impacted the community and its future.
Seniors and Survivors:
The visits to the elderly and survivors in Moldova is the key to the future of the Jewish community. Chabad Moldova supplies 250 needy people with food in their homes. The system that distributes the food is led by Rebbetzin Leah Abelsky, who visits dozens of elderly people every week, brings them home-cooked meals and spends time with them, giving them the love and support that they would not otherwise receive. Mrs. Abelsky is being helped by Mr. Misha Galas, who also travels to homes of the elderly and delivers them a hot meal.
Soup Kitchen:
The Chabad Synagogue has a kitchen that provides free food to those in need, three meals a day. We also provide meals for the many people who want to eat Kosher, but are unable to do so on their own, whether because of the high price or other reasons. The kitchen provides thousands of meals every month.
Chabad House at the Airport:
The need for a Chabad center at the airport grew stronger during the war. When the airports in Ukraine were not functioning, the airport in Chisinau became a central hub. Jews pass through Chisinau now and the couriers at the airport help them with everything they need. From kosher food and prayer with a Minyan, to transportation or a room at a hotel as needed.
Torah Classes:
We have daily Kollel Torah classes for men in the mornings. The attendees also receive a fresh, hot breakfast. Relevant topics in Judaism are discussed, and the attendees gain a deep and solid appreciation for their Jewish heritage and history. We also have classes for women in the evenings.
Educational System:
Pre-School:
We have a pre-school class for young children, where we provide a safe and welcoming environment for the children, while in a warm, Jewish setting. Our staff assists, guides and encourages each child according to his/her individual interests and present level of development. Our playgroup reached its capacity of 20 students. With more funding, we will be opening a second class.
Sunday School:
We have a weekly Sunday School for children ages 8-12. The school has gained a great reputation very quickly. Although we are in the first year of the school, we see its success and growth.
Youth Club:
This year we have opened a Youth Club in Kishinev under the international project of Enerjew.
This past year, our community has grown significantly with the influx of refugees from Ukraine. With the growth in community, we have grown and expanded our activities in so many ways.
Our vision for this upcoming year is to continue to grow and expand these activites, and to keep adding to meets the needs of our growing community.
Your support will enhance and expand our work. Please help us! To find out more about Chabad Moldova, please visit our website: http://www.chabad.md
