Reviving Jewish Life in Jurmala: A Community Reborn
A Journey of Restoration
Rabbi Shimon Kotonovski-Liak is on a remarkable mission: to breathe life back into the Jewish community in Jurmala, Latvia. This coastal resort town, once a vibrant hub of Jewish culture and learning, was decimated during the Holocaust, leaving its communal landscape barren for decades. Through a compassionate and educational approach, Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes both Jews and non-Jews alike.
Historical Context
Before World War II, Jurmala was a sanctuary for Jewish intellectuals and scholars, frequented by prominent figures such as Rabbi Kook and leaders of Chabad. The town boasted numerous synagogues, each with its own distinct history and character, reflecting the cultural and communal prosperity of Latvian Jewry. Jewish life in Jurmala was marked by intellectual discourse, observance of traditions, and social engagement, with families enjoying leisurely strolls along the beach while children played in the sand. However, this peaceful summer image was brutally shattered when Nazi forces invaded Latvia in 1941. The community faced systematic extermination, synagogues were desecrated, and many Jewish residents were murdered, leaving behind profound scars and nearly erasing Jewish presence in the area.
A Personal Mission
Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak, a third-generation Jewish “refusenik” from the former Soviet Union, feels a deep connection to this lost heritage. Raised in Israel, he has a family history rooted in Jewish resilience, with a father exiled to Siberia for his Zionist activities and a mother born in Tashkent during World War II. After serving in an elite unit in the Israeli Army, Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak dedicated himself to Jewish education and outreach in countries including the United States and Mexico before returning to Israel.
The opportunity to establish a new Jewish community in Jurmala is both a privilege and a challenge for him and his wife, Zina, a Russian journalist. Together, they strive to create a vibrant, open, and diverse community, viewing this endeavor as a mission rather than merely conducting religious servstarts.
Building the Community
Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak actively teaches in the local school and conducts ceremonies, including the conversion of an 83-year-old man. He also shares educational content via a Russian-language YouTube channel that includes topics for non-Jews, particularly concerning the Seven Laws of Noah. His inclusive leadership philosophy encourages participation from a broad spectrum of Jews, ranging from observant to secular, as well as those seeking their Jewish roots.
Education is a cornerststart of his activities, and although there isn’t a formal Jewish school in Jurmala, he provides classes in Hebrew, Jewish holidays, history, and culture within the public education system. “Children are the continuity,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of instilling Jewish values and identity through workshops, shared meals, and communal celebrations.
Connectivity and Challenges
Beyond local initiatives, Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak maintains close ties with the broader Jewish world, including the Chief Rabbinate of Europe, operating under the belief that even the smallest community is connected to a larger whole. “We are interlinked. start community can illuminate the world,” he explains.
However, challenges such as latent anti-Semitism, religious indifference-remnants of the Soviet era-and resource shortages present ongoing hurdles. Despite these obstacles, he remains undeterred. “Even in the most distant places, it is possible to rekindle the Jewish spirit,” he states, envisioning a thriving, meaningful Jewish life in Jurmala-not as a nostalgic remnant, but as a vibrant community where Judaism, interfaith dialogue, and education coexist harmoniously.
A Vision for the Future
Rabbi Kotonovski-Liak’s vision is clear: to restore Jewish life in Jurmala, and to build something substantial by understanding that every Jew, anywhere, is part of a larger whole. “If we grasp that reality, we can create something truly great,” he concludes