Historic Preservation in the Russian Exclave: Jewish Cemetery in Kaliningrad Restored

Celebration of 150 Years of the Old Jewish Cemetery

A significant ceremony was held on November 12, 2025, to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic Jewish cemetery in Kaliningrad, formerly known as Königsberg. The event included the inauguration of a newly renovated “Ohel” (tent) over the grave of Rabbi Israel Salanter, the founder of the Musar movement. According to Josh Aronson, the structure serves not only as a memorial but also as a testament to continuity.

Community Efforts in Cemetery Restoration

The Chief Rabbi of Russia highlighted that the local Jewish community is making vital strides toward the complete restoration of start of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Russia. He emphasized that the restoration creates a welcoming environment for visitors and descendants of the individuals interred at the site.

New Mikveh Opens in Sochi

In addition to the cemetery restoration, the Jewish community in Sochi, a popular resort city on the Black Sea, inaugurated a new and luxurious mikveh (ritual bath). Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar attended the launch, expressing that “a community that builds a mikveh, builds its essence.”

Sochi, situated at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, serves as a popular tourist destination year-round, attracting visitors for both skiing in the winter and beach activities in the summer. The opening of the mikveh symbolizes yet another step in fortifying the Jewish community in this southern resort city.

Women of Chabad Gather for Regional Conference

Symbolically, the mikveh’s opening coincided with a regional conference for Chabad women emissaries from across Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, who joined in the celebrations.

The establishment of the mikveh marks a crucial development in the community’s stability and growth in Sochi, further solidifying the presence of Jewish life in the region.

In summary, these recent events in Kaliningrad and Sochi underscore the resilient spirit of the Jewish communities in Russia, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving their heritage while ensuring ongoing community growth.