A new synagogue has been opened in the “Bourgeois” Shopping Center in S. Petersburg, enabling many Jews who live nearby to come on Friday night for Shabbat services. The opening of the synagogue affords new opportunities for people to attend synagogue on Shabbat and to join in the celebration afterwards. Throughout the entire Shabbat, the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
The establishment of a new synagogue was made possible thanks to the work and efforts of many of the leaders of the S. Petersburg Jewish community. Among them are Chief Rabbi of S. Petersburg Menachem Mendel Pewzner, Rabbi Shaul Brook, and community activists Aaron Lyulkov, Yakov Pichkhadze and Mikhail Elkin. Rabbi Elazar Goldberg deserves special mention as he was the main force behind establishing the synagogue. During his talk at the Shabbat meal, Rabbi Goldberg noted, "Every Friday, we welcome all Jews to our synagogue for prayers and the Shabbat meal. We will be happy to accommodate all who wish to celebrate a family-style Shabbat.”