Ust-Kamenogorsk was founded as a Russian fort in 1720. Ust-Kamenogorsk later became a center of trade with Mongolia and China and the gateway to the mineral wealth of the Rudny Altay mountains. Today Ust-Kamenogorsk is the largest city in East Kazakhstan, part of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan and is a center of nonferrous metallurgy (lead, zinc, titanium, and magnesium) with important associated research institutes and laboratories.
Ten years ago Chabad Lubavitch arrived in Ust-Kamenogorsk to welcome and embrace every Jew with unconditional love. The foundational three loves. The love of G-D. The love of Jews. The Love of Torah. A full spectrum of Jewish activities and programs were enthusiastically launched. Thousands of lives of all ages were touched. Bringing the joy and practice of Jewish heritage to the greater community.
In honor of a decade of successful community service, a grand community wide celebration took place. The fruits of the tireless efforts of Rabbi and Mrs. Asaf Finshtein, the Chabad representatives - Shluchim to Ust-Kominagorsk. Rabbi Finshtein's inspirational message welcomed the large crowd to the majestic ballroom. With tables set for a royal banquet. The sound of the Shofar was blown as is customary prior to the new year in preparation of Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Elchonon Cohen Chief Rabbi of Alma Ata shared heartfelt insights into the philosophy of Chabad Lubavitch and the upcoming new year and it's spiritual meaning. Rabbi Shmuel Karnaukh, the Chabad emissary and Rabbi of Astana Kazakhstan shared an uplifting message in honor of the occasion.
A festive gourmet dinner was served. Kosher wines and meats were elegantly served. It was heartwarming to witness a Glatt Kosher cuisine dinner in a remote city in Kazakhstan Asia.
The video screens warmed the atmosphere with a timely message of the Rebbe who's international network of Chabad Houses can be found in 4000 locations in ninety countries on six continents spanning the globe.
The crowd expressed their appreciation to philanthropist Mr. Shlomo Geller who sponsored the construction of the magnificent state-of-the-art Ust Kamenogorsk Ohel Eliezer Chabad House Community Center in loving memory of his father Eliezer Ben Menachem Tzvi of blessed memory.
The distinguishedChabad Rabbi and Jewish leader of Pavlodar Kazakhstan Rabbi Shimon Ash shared words of Torah honoring the occasion. A final inspirational and entertaining video of Chabad Ust-Kamenogorsk year-round community activities was shown which brought happy smiles to the faces of all the guests and participants who are thankful for the past and look forward to growing the community and to proudly celebrating Jewish life in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
A Chassidic Farbrengen followed the formal dinner. The Chabad Kazakhstan Rabbis led an uplifting Farbrengen till the early morning hours. Wishing all a happy good sweet new year.
