S. PETERSBURG, Russia — Crowds gathered in Great Choral Synagogue this week to celebrate bringing in a new Torah scroll, which was donated to the Jewish community of S. Petersburg by four sponsors. The generosity of Mikhail Prince, Yakov Shuster, David Tsaturov, and Yoram Borisov ensured that this scroll would be written especially in the holy city of Jerusalem.
The ceremonies were led by Chief Rabbi of S. Petersburg Menachem Mendel Pewzner and Rabbi Tzvi Pinsky, the Head of 'Beit Chabad'. Participants heard numerous speeches and witnessed the last letters written into the scroll under the guidance of Soifer Shmuel Mendelsohn. The Torah was then picked up, wrapped and crowned before everyone joined in a procession to carry it down Lermontov Avenue. A specially-arranged local orchestra offered lively musical accompaniment throughout.  

Upon returning to the Synagogue, the new Torah would take its place with the community's older scrolls. Joyous dancing — Hakafot — took place around the Bima with the new scroll held in strong embrace. Guests were invited to a delicious kosher banquet comprised of many traditional Japanese treats. Like many of cultural, religious and other events organized by the local Jewish community, this event involved young and old Jews from all walks of life.
The Jewish community of S. Petersburg is a foremost member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.