This past Friday saw the grand dedication of a brand-new Jewish center in the far-eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, a major Pacific port city on the Sea of Japan (the East Sea), close to the China and North Korea borders. The classically designed structure houses a beautiful synagogue, a Jewish school, rooms for Torah study, a religious library, an elegant mikvah and a social-services center.

The inauguration was hosted by Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Shimon Varakin, rabbi of the Jewish community of Vladivostok, and included many special guests and dignitaries, including Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, and Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, the nation’s former president.

Also in attendance were the chief rabbi of St. Petersburg, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Pewzner; the governor of of Vladivostok, Vladimir Miklushevsky; as well as donors and many members of Vladivostok’s Jewish community.

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Roughly a nine-hour flight from Moscow and the terminus of the Trans-Siberian railway linking it to Moscow, the city of Vladivostok is home to nearly 5,000 Jews.

The newly refurbished Jewish building dates back more than 100 years. It was returned to the Jewish community about 10 years ago after being appropriated by Communists during the Stalinist era.

Since its return, the property has undergone extensive renovations in order to meet the growing needs of the city’s thriving Jewish community.

The classically designed structure houses a beautiful synagogue, a Jewish school, study rooms, a mikvah, religious library, charity center and more.

The festivities included donors and many members of Vladivostok’s Jewish community.

The newly refurbished Jewish building dates back more than 100 years. It was returned to the Jewish community 10 years ago after being appropriated by Communists during the Stalinist era.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Pewzner, left, the chief rabbi of St. Petersburg, and Rabi Shmuel Siefel of Lipetsk

Rabbi Shimon Varakin, left, rabbi of the Jewish community of Vladivlostok, cutting the ribbon along with Rabbi Lazar and other dignitaries.

Since its return, the property has undergone extensive renovations to meet the needs of its thriving Jewish community.