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Years of Soviet religious oppression has left many Russian Jews unfamiliar and uncomfortable walking into a synagogue. Additionally, traces of Soviet anti-religious indoctrination make it difficult to feel at home in a house of prayer. The situation is made worse by lack of Hebrew skills and unfamiliarity with the prayer book and observances.
To address this problem, FREE established the first Russian synagogue in the United States in 1973, located in the building the F.R.E.E. Headquarters, 1383 President Street in Brooklyn, New York. The success of the Synagogue prompted FREE to maintain 10 other Russian synagogues in areas throughout the world that are heavily populated by Russian Jews.
FREE’s Russian synagogues provide an at home atmosphere
for Russian immigrants. Compatriots can intermingle and foster
pride in being Jewish. Rabbis deliver words of Torah in the
Russian language, prayer-books and Chumashim (Bibles) are
printed with Russian translation opposite the Hebrew liturgy,
and Russian-language adult education classes introduce Jews
to the basic tenets of their heritage. The entire Russian
synagogue experience gradually accustoms Russian Jewish immigrants
to the rhythms of tefillah (prayer), avodah (service), and
Torah learning. In this way Russian Jews can take ownership
of their faith in a comfortable environment suited to their
unique background.
 Click here for a listing of all our Russian Centers
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F.R.E.E. Headquaters
