Thousands of Jews gathered at the Marina Roscha Central Synagogue in Moscow for Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeres, and Simchas Torah, marking the culmination of Tishrei with large crowds, spirited dancing, and celebrations of Jewish life.

Hoshana Rabbah began at midnight, as congregants gathered to recite Sefer Tehillim in accordance with the traditional custom. The synagogue’s large sukkah remained busy throughout the night, with refreshments served in “Grisha’s Zimmer,” the hospitality room within the sukkah complex.

Participants were treated to apples dipped in honey, hot soup, and warm beverages as they spent the night learning and preparing for Hoshana Rabbah, the day traditionally associated with the final sealing of the heavenly decree.

By morning, the synagogue was filled with worshippers attending numerous Shacharis minyanim held throughout the premises to accommodate the large crowds.

The main Hoshana Rabbah minyan was attended by Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar. The morning also included two moving Bris Milah ceremonies, celebrating the entry of two Jewish males into the covenant of Avraham Avinu.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Zaklas, Shliach and Rav of Bryansk, traveled to Moscow to serve as mohel for the ceremonies.

Meanwhile, extensive preparations were underway for the thousands expected to participate in the Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah celebrations.

The synagogue’s gabbaim, together with a team of workers, oversaw the construction of a massive bimah along the eastern wall of the main sanctuary, where community leaders and the Sifrei Torah would be positioned during hakafos.

This year, organizers also introduced illuminated signs throughout the synagogue displaying the current hakafah, helping the large crowds follow the proceedings and participate in an orderly manner.

The celebrations reached their peak on Simchas Torah night, when thousands packed the synagogue for spirited hakafos and dancing with the Torah.

The festivities also included expressions of gratitude to Hashem for the reported miraculous events aboard a Flydubai flight carrying Israelis, which had drawn widespread attention.

Rabbi Lazar delivered emotional words of inspiration, reflecting on the events and the importance of recognizing and giving thanks for Hashem’s miracles, particularly during Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, when the bracha of Shehecheyanu is recited.

At approximately 1:00 a.m., hundreds of participants continued the celebrations outside, filling the streets of Moscow with singing and dancing as they sought to extend the joy of Simchas Torah beyond the synagogue walls.

On Isru Chag, workers began dismantling the large hakafos bimah, bringing the extensive holiday preparations and celebrations to a close.

The gatherings at Marina Roscha once again highlighted the vibrant Jewish life of Moscow’s community, with thousands coming together in an atmosphere of unity, Torah, and Chassidic joy.