Mrs. Kogan was aged 65 when she suffered a heart attack while tending to the local mikveh. Three years ago, Rabbi Kogan’s mother passed away.

 
Rabbi Kogan and his wife emigrated to Israel in 1986 from the former Soviet Union. Four years later, they returned to Russia on shlichus in order to help the first group of “Children of Chernobyl” to get to Israel.
Sopha Kogan is mourned by her husband and four children, Chaya, Simona, Esther, and Yosef. The funeral took place today in Israel.

Mrs. Kogan was very active in Jewish community life in Moscow, especially among the women. Many women felt comfortable discussing any issue with her, including matters of Jewish law.

Sopha was known for her high standards of religious observance. She worked hard to establish and run the mikveh in Moscow. Born in S. Petersburg, she worked with her husband to increase Chabad activities there and through their efforts many Russian Jews merited to return to their Jewish roots.

When the Kogans returned to Moscow 21 years ago, they restored the glory of the Jewish community. After many battles with the government, they were able to refurbish the historical Bolshoi Bronaya Shul in the city center. Five years ago, they celebrated the rededication of the shul after adding four stories to the building, making it into a spiritual center.

The Jewish community in Moscow feels a strong sense of loss since Sopha’s sudden passing.

May her memory be a blessing for us all.