The following might be the last part of the TR, and will be about people.
An extremely capable yungerman by the name Moishe Boruch Beynish helped us. He was extremely helpful, known by everyone (hotel managers, restaurant and store managers, etc.) so if we ran out of Rubles to pay a bill, his word was enough to allow us to come back the next day to settle the bill. We were not easy customers, but he was always patient and accommodating.
Everyone at Marina Roshcha was welcoming, and Rabbi Lazar is a true דוגמא חיה of how to be kind and welcoming to every person.
During Pesach at Ramenskoye, in addition to our mechutonim (and their family), were a few families from their community. They were all very nice, and when my grandson needed medical attention were extremely helpful.
During the last days of Pesach in Lubavitch, we spent time with people who spanned a wide spectrum in their knowledge of Yiddishkeit. One person who I spoke quite a bit with, shared with me quite a bit of his life stories.
He told me he knew Rabbi Gordon for many years, ever since they were both brought to EY as part of the "Children of Chernobyl" project. While he was living in Moscow, apparently his great grandmother who was frum asked Rabbi Kogan to do everything in his power so that her great grandson gets some Jewish education. He spent summers at Camp Gsn Yisroel, had his bris at camp, and when the Children of Chernobyl project was in full force, Rabbi Kogan personally made sure he joins one of the groups.
The groups were brought to Kfar Chabad, were they were given all their physical needs, and were given a basic Jewish education. As he described it, some went on to become frum, some continued to Yeshivos and ended up as full fledged Lubavitcher, while others ended up with various levels of observance. The main goal was that they should get some Jewish education, and hopefully end up marrying Jews and raising Jewish families.
When he came of age, he decided to enlist in the IDF rather than go to Yeshiva. But knowing that the IDF experience can be challenging, he actually decided to take his Yiddishkeit more seriously at that point. By the time he was done with his IDF service he was fully שומר תומ"צ and learning daily. While we were in Lubavitch he repeated several Torah ideas during meals, and translated others into Russian for those that didn't understand what I said in Hebrew. I found his ability to explain things well quite amazing.
During a later conversation I had with him, he confessed/bemoaned the fact that he had neglected learning for quite a few years. He was a rather successful businessman, but decided to explore other avenues hoping to become the next Levayev. Unfortunately, he ended up losing not only his own fortune, but also monies he borrowed. And along with his business failures, his Yiddishkeit and learning suffered, as well as his health. He is now trying to get back on track with the original line of business in which he was successful. He told me that after sanctions were placed on Russia, Putin ordered the financial/small business floodgates open (similar to what we experienced in the US during Covid). Taxation for small businesses with up to $2.3MM in annual revenue is either 30% of net earnings, or 6% of sales. A small business can choose their tax regime out of the two options.
Rabbi Kogan (who wasn't in Lubavitch during Pesach) was appointed by the Rebbe to head Agudas Chassidei Chabad in Russia (along with Rabbi S.B. Levin, and Rabbi Y. Y. Aronow). He has taken upon himself to take care of Lubavitch, as well as Rostov. Making those places accessible and welcoming to visitors and people who wish to spend time close to the Tziunim. Being a Kohen, the Rebbe told him to use every opportunity to bentch yidden. He does so informally everywhere, and in addition does Birchas Kohanim every Shabbos, as is done in EY.
Poll