OUR STORY
Rostov’s legacy of resilience and revival: a timeline
Despite decades of occupation, destruction, and religious persecution, the Jews of Rostov have never faltered in their faith, nor forfeited their Jewish identity.
This is their story.
1872
Founded through love
The Cantonist Synagogue (the only remaining active synagogue in Rostov today) is built by a group of veteran conscripts, or "Cantonists." They are Jews who, by decree of Czar Nicholas I, were forcibly taken from their families as young children for a 25-year term of "service" in the Czar's army, where every cruel means was employed to coerce them to abandon Judaism.
A handful of survivors establish the synagogue to serve the needs of their fellow Cantonists, to show them love, acceptance, and support. It is burnt down during the pogrom of 1905, but in 1913-1914 the building is restored.
1915
Sacred beginnings
The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneerson, flees the town of Lubavitch in the wake of World War I and finds refuge within Rostov's Jewish community, where he establishes Chabad's headquarters until his passing in 1920. During this time, there are about 25,000 Jews living in Rostov.
1918
Under attack
With the rise of the new Bolshevik government, Judaism is under attack. Jewish schools are forced to close, studying in Hebrew and Yiddish is outlawed, and Jews are forbidden from keeping Shabbos. Undeterred, Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneerson begins the task of preserving our vital tradition in the face of religious persecution.
1920
Clandestine Jewish activity
Despite increasing antisemitism and restrictions on religious freedom, Rostov becomes the spiritual capital of Russia. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe, assumes leadership of the Chabad movement after the passing of his father (The Rebbe Rashab) and expands efforts to help Jewish throughout Russia, leading underground efforts to preserve Jewish life even in the most difficult of times.
1942
Massacre at Zmiyovskaya Balka
On August 12, 1942 , tragedy strikes. The Nazis viciously murder 27,000 Jews in Rostov in a single massacre at Zmiyovskaya Balka (also known as Russia’s Babi Yar) , the single largest mass killing by the Nazis in Russia. The once vibrant Jewish community is virtually obliterated.
1945
The Reign of Communism
As state-sanctioned oppression continues across the Soviet Union, all outward signs of Judaism are stripped from the remaining Jews in Rostov. R’ Mordechai Lifshutz remains in the city, and in the 1960’s serves as the Rov (Chief Rabbi). With heroism, our ancestors secretly defend and preserve their Jewish traditions, and the very possibility of remaining a Jew.
1991
The Fall of Communism
On Dec. 25, 1991, the Soviet Union ceases to exist. A regime that has over the course of nearly 80 years uprooted freedom of religion has finally collapsed, leaving only embers – Jewish souls flickering.
2008
Turning a new page
Rabbi Chaim Danzinger and his dedicated wife, Kaila, inspired by the history of Rostov and the heroism of its people, move from their home in California to make a new, permanent home in Rostov. Their mission? To serve its remaining 15,000 Jews' material and spiritual needs.
With the generous support and encouragement of our brothers and sisters around the globe, the community has reestablished itself as a vibrant hub of Jewish life—dynamic, active, and flourishing. We celebrate Jewish weddings, Bar and Bat mitzvahs, Brit Milah and more, and we enjoy Shabbat and Jewish Holidays together. Rostov is once again a welcome home for Jews and Judaism.
2022
Growth and revival
2030
The future of Rostov
In a few years from now, we picture a thriving community, filled with spirit and laughter and joy. Our synagogue is the spiritual home for every single Jew in Rostov, no matter their background. Our elders, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, are cared for as royalty, surrounded by companionship and community in their final years.
Our youth are instilled with a feeling of Jewish pride and an awareness of the importance of establishing a Jewish home. There is a spacious new 30,000 sq ft building in the center of town, serving children with disabilities and their families. This dream can become a reality one day soon, with your help.
The Jews of Rostov have been through so much,
yet we are filled with hope.
Hope for the future of our community, and for the Jewish nation at large.
Partner with us to make a lasting impact on the community of Rostov today and for future generations. Your contribution will go directly toward ensuring the material and spiritual well-being of our community members.