The Jewish community of Dnipro holds a deep and heartfelt memory of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, whose soul ascended from this world one year ago. He was a remarkable Jewish leader, a spiritual mentor to thousands of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s emissaries across the globe, and a key figure behind the vast international network of Jewish centers. The connection between Rabbi Kotlarsky and the Jews of Dnipro was unique—strong, enduring, and personal.
Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, one of the senior leaders of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, served as Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and headed the global Shlichus (emissary) program. He provided guidance and support to thousands of Jewish communities and Chabad Houses around the world. Yet, just like the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of our generation—he had a special place in his heart for the city of Dnipro. Rabbi Kotlarsky frequently visited Dnipro, was well-acquainted with the local community, and offered consistent and meaningful support for its Jewish revival. In recent years, especially during challenging times, he showed particular concern and checked in regularly on the well-being of the community.
It is no surprise, then, that the people of Dnipro paid close attention to the events that took place in New York marking the first yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky. These included the completion of a Torah scroll in his honor, a grand procession and its placement in a synagogue, and a large farbrengen held for the elevation of his righteous soul.
A short video in English was prepared to commemorate this occasion, highlighting the legacy of Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and his extraordinary impact on the Jewish people:
In addition, one of the main global Chabad news platforms, COLlive, published a detailed video covering all the events of Rabbi Kotlarsky’s yahrtzeit. It includes the Torah scroll completion, its ceremonial dedication, and the moving farbrengen. This video allows every Jew, wherever they may be in the world, to join in spirit and feel part of a united community—a great Jewish family remembering one of its most cherished sons and praying to Hashem to bless and elevate his soul in Gan Eden.
