Distinguished representatives of the state authorities of the Republic of Moldova, of the diplomatic corps, honored rabbis, leaders of Jewish organizations, dear fellow Jews!
It is a great honor for us to welcome each of you today to an event that is momentous for Jewish life in the Republic of Moldova — the official ceremony of Rabbi Menachem-Mendel Axelrod’s inauguration as Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Moldova.
It is especially symbolic that on this day, outstanding rabbis and spiritual leaders from Israel, Romania, the Netherlands, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and other countries have gathered together with us.
Your presence is not merely a sign of high respect for our community, but also vivid confirmation that the Jewish community of Moldova is an integral part of the larger international Jewish family, and that its spiritual revival, development, and future matter far beyond the borders of our country.
This day is not merely the date of an official appointment, nor simply the beginning of work in a new position.
It is a day of responsibility. A day of continuity. And a day of great hope.
Jewish history on the territory of Moldova spans many generations. Here, families and communities were formed, synagogues and houses of study were built, prayers were recited, Torah was studied, and charity, education, and culture flourished. This history has known periods of flourishing, but it has also known terrible tragedies, destruction, and loss. After decades in which religious and communal life was restricted, returning to our roots became especially important for us — the revival of synagogues, traditions, Jewish education, historical memory, and the bond between generations. It is precisely this historical continuity that lies at the foundation of today’s event.
We view the mandate of the Chief Rabbi as considerably broader than the fulfillment of religious functions alone. For us, the Chief Rabbi is a spiritual leader and mentor, a guardian of tradition, and at the same time a person capable of making that tradition understandable to the new generation. He is a person called to unite.
The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova is diverse. Members of the community are people of different generations, different views, and different levels of religious practice. They do not live only in Chisinau. Our communities are spread throughout the country, on both banks of the Nistru River. That is why it is fundamentally important to us that the Chief Rabbi be the rabbi of the entire Jewish community of the Republic of Moldova — open to everyone who enters a synagogue for the first time, and to those connected to Jewish tradition their whole lives; to the elderly and to the young; to families and to children.
Dear Rabbi Axelrod,
Today, in accepting this responsible mission, you take upon yourself the task of being close to people.
When they celebrate — to celebrate alongside them.
When they go through difficult times — to support them.
When young people ask questions — to have the patience to speak with them in a language they understand.
When a person crosses the threshold of the synagogue for the first time — to make them feel that they are welcomed here.
We want to see ‘living’ synagogues throughout the country. We want our holidays to be full of people, of their warmth of spirit and happy smiles, and the wisdom of the Torah to be accessible to everyone whose heart seeks it. May our traditions not remain merely a bright memory, but come alive every day — filling the present with light and inspiring the future of Jewish life.
And today the role of the Chief Rabbi is not limited to the walls of the synagogue. Moldova is a multinational and multi-confessional country. It matters to us that the voice of Jewish tradition be heard in the public space with dignity, wisdom, and openness. We look forward to active dialogue with representatives of other religions, state institutions, educational and cultural organizations, the diplomatic corps, and international partners.
We want people who previously knew almost nothing about Judaism to be able to learn about our values.
Preserving our heritage is our special mission. Synagogues, houses of prayer, memorial sites, and ancient cemeteries are not merely architecture or real estate. They are living testimonies to the centuries-long history of our people on this land. And the spiritual authority of the Chief Rabbi is the force that unites us in a common cause: to restore, preserve, and hand down this heritage to future generations.
I would like to say a few personal words about Rabbi Menachem-Mendel Axelrod.
We have known each other for more than ten years. Over these years, I have witnessed not only his growth as a rabbi and spiritual leader, but also the life of his family: the births and growing up of his children. I hold great respect for Rabbi Axelrod’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, granddaughter of the respected Rabbi Abelsky, who all these years has served our community together with him. Before my eyes, the rabbi acquired experience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of people. That is precisely why today’s decision holds special, personal significance for me. I sincerely trust Rabbi Axelrod.
Dear participants of the ceremony,
Perhaps one of the most important things we would like to emphasize today is this: the Community and the Chief Rabbi must walk this path together. Spiritual leadership and communal leadership have different functions, but we share one goal — a strong, open, responsible, and united Jewish life in the Republic of Moldova. That is why today’s ceremony also marks the beginning of a new stage in our cooperation.
Today, Chief Rabbis and spiritual leaders from various countries are with us. I want once again to express our sincere gratitude to each of you. Your arrival in Chisinau on this day means a great deal to us. It shows that, despite distances and state borders, our communities are bound together by a shared history, tradition, values, and responsibility for one another.
We hope that today’s meeting will become the beginning of new joint initiatives, new contacts between our communities, educational and religious projects, and even closer human ties.
May today become a good omen for the entire Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova.
May there be shalom in our homes.
May there be achdut — unity — in our community.
May there be respect among people, a bond between generations, peace, and faith in the future.
And may the Almighty grant Rabbi Menachem-Mendel Axelrod the strength and wisdom to fulfill worthily the high mission of Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Moldova.
Mazal tov, dear Rabbi Axelrod!
Mazal tov to the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova!
And may this new stage be filled with good deeds, spiritual growth, unity, and blessing.
