New Shluchim to Expand Jewish Life in ‘Homel’
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kot and his family are preparing to establish a new permanent Shlichus presence in Homel, Belarus, a city with a storied Chassidic past and growing Jewish activity.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveRabbi Menachem Mendel Kot and his family are preparing to establish a new permanent Shlichus presence in Homel, Belarus, a city with a storied Chassidic past and growing Jewish activity.
Homel, also known as Gomel, was once a major center of Chassidic life and home to thousands of Chassidim. The city’s Rov was the renowned Chossid and scholar Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac Epstein, known as Reb Aizik Homiler, who was appointed by the Alter Rebbe. A clandestine branch of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim also operated in the city during the Soviet era.
Ahead of the Kots’ departure, a warm Tzeischem Leshalom farbrengen was held this week in Moscow, led by the Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Marzel. Members of the Kollel gathered to bless Rabbi Kot and bid him farewell as he prepared to embark on his new Shlichus.
Rabbi Kot was raised in a family devoted to Shlichus. His father, Rabbi Shmuel Kot, serves as the Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach of Estonia, where he has led a revival of Jewish life. His father-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Marinovsky, serves as the Shliach in Kfar Daniel, Israel.
Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar addressed the new appointment and spoke about Homel’s distinguished Chassidic history.
Rabbi Lazar noted that extensive Jewish programming is already taking place in the city under the dedicated leadership of local Jewish community president Yosef Zholdov, who has played a central role in developing the community.
He warmly welcomed Rabbi Kot and his family, saying their arrival would bring renewed energy, expand the community’s reach and introduce additional Chassidic programming within its existing institutions.
The family is now completing its preparations for the move as the community prepares for the busy High Holiday season and the many programs held throughout the month of Tishrei.
Working closely with the local Jewish leadership, the new Shluchim plan to expand the city’s activities and strengthen Jewish life throughout Homel and the surrounding areas of southeastern Belarus.
Their arrival marks a new chapter for a city deeply connected to Chabad history, joining the network of dedicated Rabbonim and Shluchim serving Jewish communities across Belarus.
Photography: Community Spokesperson
Never Miss a Headline!
Sign up for the COLlive Daily News Roundup and never miss a story
Opt In
- I would like to receive the collive newsletter