Ufa Chief Rabbi Awarded City’s Highest Civic Honor

Rabbi Dan Halevi Krichevsky, Chief Rabbi of Bashkortostan and Chabad Shliach in Ufa, Russia, was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen in recognition of 27 years of dedication to Jewish education, Chesed, and community development.

Rabbi Dan Halevi Krichevsky, Chief Rabbi of the Republic of Bashkortostan and Chabad Shliach in Ufa, Russia, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Honorary Citizen of Ufa” by the Ufa City Council.

The honor recognizes Rabbi Krichevsky’s 27 years of dedication to Jewish education, community development, charitable initiatives, and fostering positive relations among the city’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.

The decision was announced during a special session of the Ufa City Council, where officials praised Rabbi Krichevsky’s contributions to interfaith dialogue, intercultural cooperation, and social welfare programs throughout the city.

Since arriving in Ufa on Shlichus 27 years ago, Rabbi Krichevsky has overseen the development of a thriving Jewish community, with the guidance and support of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar.

What began in temporary facilities has grown into a comprehensive Jewish community center housing a central synagogue, Torah classes, and regular Farbrengens. The community also operates an Ohr Avner Jewish school and kindergartens, the Beit Shvidler educational center, a Mikvah, a Kashrus system, and programs for youth and young families.

Beyond Jewish education and religious life, Rabbi Krichevsky has established extensive social welfare initiatives serving both the Jewish community and the broader population.

These include a residential care facility for the elderly, the Shalom resort campus, and a therapeutic pool providing hydrotherapy treatments for children with special needs. A therapeutic dental clinic also operates within the community complex.

Construction is currently nearing completion on a new rehabilitation center for children with disabilities, which will serve families throughout the region.

The community’s Chesed programs also provide food assistance, medical support, and financial aid to hundreds of elderly residents, low-income families, and orphans.

Following the announcement, Rabbi Krichevsky received congratulatory messages from community leaders, Shluchim, and public officials.

Expressing his gratitude to the Ufa municipality and city council, Rabbi Krichevsky emphasized that the recognition belongs to the entire community and those who have supported its growth.

“This honorable recognition does not belong to me personally,” Rabbi Krichevsky said. “Rather, it is a certificate of honor for the entire Jewish community and for each and every one of the partners, the dedicated staff members, and the esteemed donors who work day and night and stand behind our Torah and Chesed enterprises, with the guidance and backing of the Chief Rabbi.”

Connecting the occasion to Parshas Lech Lecha, Rabbi Krichevsky reflected on the importance of continuing to grow and expand Jewish life.

“We are standing at the threshold of the holy Shabbos of Parshas Lech Lecha. The Chassidic meaning of this command is to never remain stagnant and to never settle for what has already been achieved,” he said.

“Despite the seemingly impressive achievements accumulated over twenty-seven years of Shlichus, our gaze is directed solely forward, to completing the rehabilitation center, expanding the boundaries of holiness, and bringing the Jewish light to every soul.”

The recognition marks a significant milestone for the Jewish community of Ufa, reflecting nearly three decades of growth and the lasting impact of the Rebbe’s Shlichus in the region.

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