Chabad of Kishinev – The Heart of Jewish Life in Moldova
A Vibrant Community Center
Chabad of Kishinev stands as a beacon of Jewish life in Moldova. At the heart of the city, our active community center welcomes everyone with warmth and care. A second Chabad House at the airport ensures that every Jewish traveler finds support, no matter how briefly they pass through.
A Complex Past
For many, the name Kishinev doesn’t immediately ring a bell. It often blends into the long list of countries once part of the Soviet Union. Others remember it for the tragic pogroms of 1903 and 1905. In recent years, Moldova has returned to the spotlight because of its strategic role in the region, especially during the war between Russia and Ukraine. For some, the name Kishinev still carries the weight of these painful memories.
Renewal and Growth
Today, those memories have been replaced by a story of renewal. After decades of war, destruction, and oppression, Jewish life in Kishinev is thriving again. The community is growing steadily, with vibrant educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs that touch every generation.
Chabad of Kishinev runs a wide range of activities – from children’s classes to adult learning, from holiday celebrations to ongoing support for those in need.
Helping Refugees in Crisis
When war broke out in Ukraine, Chabad of Kishinev played a vital role in helping thousands of refugees who fled their homes with nothing. Even now, as people continue to cross the border, many stop in Kishinev to rest, pray, and find kosher food and encouragement.
A Legacy of Dedication
This remarkable revival is largely thanks to Rabbi Zalman Abelsky of blessed memory. Together with his wife Leah, he answered the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s call to bring Jewish life back to Moldova. They left behind a large family and decades of community work in Israel to rebuild a community shattered by the Holocaust and communist rule.
Originally from Russia, the Abelskys spent 40 years in Israel before moving to Kishinev. Despite their age and strong family ties, they embraced this mission with determination and faith. Rabbi Abelsky became the Chief Rabbi of Moldova and dedicated his life to the spiritual and physical well-being of the Jewish community.
Today, his legacy lives on through his son, Rabbi Zushe Abelsky, who leads Chabad of Moldova together with Rabbi Mendel Axelrod, the current Chief Rabbi of the country.
A Community Moving Forward
Although many young Jews have chosen to emigrate to Israel and Western countries, the Jewish community here still numbers over 5,000 people who are eager to reconnect with their roots. In recent years, the community has built a modern, beautiful women’s mikvah and renovated the main synagogue.
Our Dedicated Team
Four Chabad families now serve the Jewish communities across Moldova:
• Rabbi Zushe & Chaya Abelsky – Head Shliach and Director of Chabad Moldova
• Rabbi Mendel & Chaya Mushka Axelrod – Chabad Kishinev, Chief Rabbi of Moldova
• Rabbi Shmuel & Chaya Zalmanov – Chabad Kishinev, Education and Airport Chabad House
• Rabbi Shneor Zalman & Chana Tifenbrun – Chabad Moldova
Our Address:
8 Chabad Lubavitch Street
Chișinău, Moldova 2012
Phone:
+373-541023
