Moldova hires first chief rabbi in 12 years, new chapter for revived Jewish community – interview

Moldova is set to inaugurate Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod as its chief rabbi on Wednesday, August 12, filling a 12-year vacancy. Rabbi Axelrod, who has served unofficially for a decade, was elected by all streams of Judaism in Moldova and will represent the community internationally and legally. The previous chief rabbi was Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, who reestablished Jewish life in Moldova in 1990 and served until his death in 2014, building a comprehensive Jewish infrastructure.

“Some nights, we had 600, 700 people staying with us,”

Chabad has been instrumental in supporting Moldova's Jewish community, especially following the 2022 war in Ukraine, providing aid to thousands of refugees. Rabbi Zushe Abelsky, head Chabad shliach in Moldova, emphasized Chabad's commitment to connecting with even the smallest Jewish communities, stating, “The only real connection to Yiddishkeit is when we come to visit them.” The community is also expanding, with a new mikveh opened last year and plans for a Jewish campus, aiming for long-term continuity and belonging.