Let all who are in need come and celebrate!
For the fourth consecutive year, Passover in the capital of Moldova has been held at the highest level, in strict accordance with the precepts of Orthodox Judaism. Behind this achievement lies the tireless effort and deep devotion to the Jewish values of hospitality shown by Yosef and Michal Khaimov. I have visited this community many times and witnessed firsthand the respect and love with which the city’s Jewish residents treat them.
A comfortable recreation center with a kosher kitchen and two professional mashgiachs; abundant meals, two Passover Seders; entertainment for children, and daily prayers and lectures for adults—everything was thoughtfully and soulfully organized to ensure every guest could experience a truly inspiring holiday. More than 100 guests from Moldova, Ukraine, Israel, America, Germany, and Uzbekistan, along with 20 Bukharian Jewish students from the Chisinau Medical University, became one big family for several festive days. No one was left at the doorstep: Yosef and Michal Khaimov covered all accommodation expenses for those in need of support, embodying one of the central principles of Pesach: “Let all who are in need come and celebrate.”
Such sincere and selfless service to the community does not go unnoticed. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of the Khaimov family, the Jewish community of Chisinau becomes more cohesive, vibrant, and stronger year after year. We are confident that this positive trend will continue, and many more bright holidays lie ahead, uniting the Jews of Moldova and guests from around the world under one roof.
Yosef and Michal Khaimov are followers of the teachings of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and a portrait of this outstanding Chabad leader holds a place of honor in their home.
“Consistent and selfless cooperation, devotion to one’s chosen cause, and the realization that the Jewish people are a single organism—all this is a guarantee that the reward for the effort will exceed expectations,” wrote Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
For the Khaimovs, these words are a call to action and the fulfillment of planned mitzvot.
A NEW REALITY FOR JEWISH LIFE
Four years ago, Jewish life in Chisinau looked different. Much of it existed more as an idea or a hope. Today, it is a reality that can be seen and felt. Now, the city has a place where Jewish life is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, level of knowledge, or where they are on their spiritual journey. It is a place where one can arrive for the first time and immediately feel at home—a place one wishes to return to. All of this grew not from a formal approach, but from a sincere desire to unite, support, and fill life with meaning. Gradually, this interaction helped create a living, developing community with real substance and depth.
TODAY, THE ACTIVITIES OF “770CHISINAU” SPAN ALL AGES AND VARIOUS FACETS OF JEWISH LIFE:
• Men participate in regular prayers and Torah study.
• Women gather for thematic meetings and Hafrashat Challah evenings.
• Children receive a Jewish education in the Cheder.
• Teens and Youth participate in educational projects designed specifically for their age and worldview.
Shabbatons and festive meals are held regularly, each prepared thoroughly and with heart. One of the highlights of this year was the Passover family camp, which took place for the fourth time and gathered over 100 people. It wasn’t just an event; it was a space to truly live the holiday—with a kosher atmosphere, a well-planned program, activities for children, and meaningful lectures for adults.
At the same time, community life is not limited to events. Projects like “Mezuza in Every Home” and “Tefillin Drive” help bring Jewish practice into daily life—making it personal and permanent.
The doors of “770Chisinau” are open to everyone: for those raised in tradition and those taking their first steps; for those who know much and those who are still searching. People come on their own and bring others—friends, relatives, acquaintances. Thus, the community grows naturally through living connections and the feeling that here, you are truly among your own.
Behind all this are the hearts of people for whom Jewish life is not a job or a formality, but a personal mission, a labor of love, and a way of life. And with God’s help, this is only the beginning.
This was translated from Russian.
By Adele Sheptunen
Kishinev, Moldova