On the morning of his performance, accompanied by his musical ensemble, R’ Avraham Fried made his way to the expansive and beautifully developed campus of the ‘Beit Chaya’ Jewish Orphanage in Moscow.
The institution operates under the leadership of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, and is managed by Rabbi Menachem Gol and his wife. The legendary singer was visibly moved particularly during the tour of the campus, as he witnessed firsthand the extraordinary level of care and investment in the children. From the therapeutic swimming pool and warm mikvah, to the children’s bedrooms, decorated hallways, playrooms, and sports hall, to the dining hall that felt more like a restaurant, and finally the direct and emotional encounter with the children themselves.
This year, nearly eighty Jewish children are being raised and educated at the orphanage. Without the orphanage, many of them would be at risk of life-threatening situations or crime, completely disconnected from their Jewish identity.
Each child took a photo with Fried, who made sure no child was left without a smile and a compliment.
adapted from COLlive
