Hectic Week in Stavropol

This week was a whirlwind of activity in this Russian city.

For starters (and where else does this happen?) our governor resigned (which means that for the next few months we will have no governor OR mayor, who was recently thrown into prison), two arabs were killed by skinheads, and it hailed in the middle of a beautiful day.

But on a personal level, it was also a very exciting week. To go through it in order:

- Sunday we made a Moshiach Seuda. About 10 people showed up to our house. We drank four cups on wine, and then since most of them were students, we played two games they never saw. One was rummikub, the other was Stratego.

- Sunday night the second Pesach was over Chaim Hertzel was rushed to the bus station, where he was guarded by 3 guys until the bus came. Then he travelled to Krasnodar overnight, caught the morning Minyan there (got to say HaGomel), and began his return trip to NY, where he expected to be arrested or something to be charged with beating up a black boy, something which happened while he was away in Russia. After he left, we gobbled up all the 40 chocolate bars that our Pesach guests had brought.

- Monday morning was the most beautiful morning ever. There was a Bar Mitzvah I organized in the center. If I wasn't there I wouldn't have believed how beautiful it was. It was like any other shul. We had a Minyan for Shacharis (first time in 80 years). It was beautiful. Then we had a meal, we danced, and the highlight was when the Bar Mitzvah boy announced that he wants to learn more. His aunt, upon hearing that a Sefer Torah is coming to Stavropol G-d willing (we fundraised thanks to Rabbi Greenbergs help), she decided to sponsor an Aron Kodesh for the Torah. Then I left with my driver to Krasnodar (Chaim's flight was early morning, while I was needed there in the afternoon) for Rabbi Segal's sons Bris, the first time a Rabbi's son was Brissed in Southern Russia. It was cool, meeting other Rabbis, wincing while the Mohel cut, cracking dirty jokes with other Rabbis, and eating good food. Oh yeah, and making a little speech. On the trip home I stopped in Novoalexandrovsk, a city in my province of 50,000. I had heard that there was one Jewish family there, and met them (at 11:45 PM). They told me there are 15 Israeli families who live there like on a kibbutz, so I told them if they need anything let me know. I also made a calendar with times for Shabbos... on it. I arrived home at 2 AM.

- Tuesday my sister Malky left back to Israel. I packed all the Pesach stuff in the Jewish center.

- Wednesday was the first Yahrzeit of Paulina Peskina, an active Jewish woman of the community who contributed very greatly to the organization of the community and their events here. Sadly after she passed away, things slowed down and the excitement for Jewish acitviites drained out. Her son and his family came over Friday night. A beautiful family with three daughters... Yartzeit was VERY somber.

- Thursday we had guests for dinner. Two American (Lutheran!! but lovely!!) kids from Maryland and Michigan came over. It was actually a lot of fun and I (Chayale who took over this report) made a kick tuchus dinner. It was nice, shame they are leaving in just a couple weeks.

-Friday was Friday. Our driver decided not to work as usual. We had many guests for the meal.

-Shabbos Zvi walked all the way to the center and no one listened to the Dvar Torah. He wasn't happy.

-Sunday we translated the contract that the lovely board here drew up for us to sign. We are pleased to announce that one of the things they promised to provide on the contract is our priviliege to pay for their internet. Lucky us!

And B"h we have our tickets and will be on safe soil very soon... We miss you all too much.