FAQ

Information on our shluchim, communities, Jewish education, kosher food, prayers, visiting, relief and giving.

About Chabad Moldova and the Shluchim

Chabad Moldova is a nationwide network of Chabad centers, synagogues, educational programs and community and humanitarian services. We serve 18 communities, offering Jewish education, prayer, kosher food, Shabbat and holiday programs, and help for those in need. Our goal is for every Jew in Moldova to have a welcoming Jewish home.

Five shluchim families work together across the country:

• Rabbi Zushe and Chaya Abelsky — development and leadership of the Chabad Moldova network, institutional support and partnerships.

• Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Chaya Mushka Axelrod — the Chief Rabbinate, religious services, kashrut, education and community life in Kishinev and beyond.

• Rabbi Shmuel and Chaya Zalmanov — community programs in Kishinev, welcoming visitors, prayers and Torah classes. Rabbi Shmuel also founded 770 CHISINAU.

• Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Leah Gotsel — Chabad Bender–Tiraspol, prayer services, a soup kitchen, education and holiday programs.

• Rabbi Shneur Zalman and Chana Tiefenbrun — outreach to 14 smaller and remote communities, youth programs and nationwide projects.

They work with local staff and volunteers. Not everyone who calls themselves a Chabad shliach is authorized to represent the Chabad Moldova network. Only those listed on our official roster or expressly confirmed by our office may represent this network; this does not determine anyone’s standing outside our network.

Yes. Despite the Holocaust, decades of communist rule and emigration, Jewish life continues in Moldova. Kishinev is a major center, with communities in Bender, Tiraspol, Bălți and other towns. Chabad offers classes, prayer services, holiday celebrations and programs for all ages.

Services include minyanim, Torah classes, kosher meals, Shabbat and holiday hospitality, education, mikvah information and support for Jewish life-cycle events. We also provide food and essential assistance to vulnerable families, older adults and refugees, as well as practical information for visitors.

Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, of blessed memory, came with his wife Leah on the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s mission in 1989 to help rebuild Jewish life after decades of repression. The network took shape in 1989–1990. Rabbi Abelsky served as Chief Rabbi until his passing in 2014, and his work continues today.

Chabad Moldova works through cooperation among the shluchim families, rabbis, institutional teams and local communities. Rabbi Zushe Abelsky serves as head shliach and chair of Chabad Moldova’s institutions, continuing his father’s work. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod serves as Chief Rabbi of Moldova and supports religious life, kashrut and education. Together they serve Jewish communities across the country.

Visiting Moldova and Traveler Services

Kishinev has an active Jewish community, and Chabad welcomes visitors. However, regional security conditions can change. Check your government’s current travel advice, especially before visiting Transnistria. Chabad can help with information on Jewish services but cannot replace official security guidance.

The Central Synagogue and Chabad center are at Habad Liubavici 8, Chișinău. Phone: +373 22 541 023; email: bet-chabad@chabad.md. Kishinev information: https://kishinev.org.

Daily Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv services take place at the historic Glazer Central Synagogue, Habad Liubavici 8, along with Shabbat and holiday prayers. Times vary; please confirm by calling +373 22 541 023 or visiting https://chabad.md/find-a-minyan/.

Chabad welcomes residents and visitors for Shabbat and holiday meals in Kishinev and Bender. Advance registration is required so the teams can prepare. See https://kosher.md and, for Bender meal orders and hospitality, https://app.flowiz.io/benf/en/.

Glatt kosher meals can be ordered from Chabad kitchens in Kishinev and Bender. Meals supplied by us are supervised by the Association of Chabad Rabbis in Moldova, under Chief Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod. Important: our kashrut responsibility applies only to food and services provided by us or expressly approved under our supervision. Another restaurant or supplier is not automatically supervised by us because it claims to be kosher or uses the Chabad name. Other independent kosher certifications may exist and should be checked with their certifier. Orders: https://kosher.md.

We can arrange meals for individuals, families and groups, including hot food, Shabbat and holiday meals and meals to go. Kishinev: https://kosher.md; Bender: https://app.flowiz.io/benf/en/. Contact us ahead of time for group orders, special requests or food sensitivities.

Yes. The historic Glazer Synagogue is both an active place of worship and an important heritage site. We can help coordinate visits and provide guidance on historical synagogues, the Jewish cemetery and memorial sites in Kishinev. Please contact us in advance, especially for groups.

Synagogues, Mikvahs and Jewish Services

Kishinev: Glazer Central Synagogue, Habad Liubavici 8; +373 22 541 023; daily services. Bender: Chabad House and synagogue, Strada Comunismului 181, Bender; +373 799 47 708; Shabbat and holiday prayers, meals and community activities. Please check the Bender schedule before visiting.

Mikvah Liel is a modern women’s mikvah in Kishinev, opened in Tevet 5785. It has preparation rooms and provides a private, comfortable setting. Please contact the Chabad office to arrange an appointment and receive directions from the mikvah team.

Chabad Moldova is working to renew and improve men’s mikvah facilities in Kishinev. Availability may change during the work, so please ask the Chabad office whether immersion is possible on your intended date.

Lighting and ending times depend on the city and date. Check the correct location—Kishinev, Bender, Tiraspol or another town—on https://chabad.md.

Yes. We help families prepare for Jewish life-cycle events, including brit milah, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and other milestones. We can offer guidance and help coordinate rabbis and qualified professionals, depending on local availability. Please contact us ahead of time.

The historic Jewish cemetery is in the Buiucani district of Kishinev. Chabad can offer visiting guidance and initial help with family grave inquiries. A full name, family details and approximate year of death are useful.

Yes. We provide guidance and help coordinate Jewish burial arrangements, mourning customs, Kaddish and memorial services in accordance with halachah and local conditions. Please contact the office promptly if assistance is needed.

Yes. Our shluchim can help with putting on tefillin, placing mezuzot, Shabbat candle-lighting and other mitzvot. Ask the office about guidance and options for checking or obtaining ritual items.

Jewish Education, Youth and Community

Chabad operates a Jewish kindergarten and school-age learning programs in Kishinev. A first-grade class opened for the 2026–27 school year, alongside supplementary Jewish education, holiday activities and enrichment. Programs develop in response to local families’ needs.

Programs serve young children, school-age children and teens, depending on the activity. For age groups, schedules, fees and enrollment information, contact the education team at bet-chabad@chabad.md.

Our Studio is an enrichment program built around project-based learning, creativity and social activities. It serves ages 3–17 in Kishinev, Bender and Tiraspol, depending on available groups, and includes subsidized hot meals.

JFuture is a social and educational program for Jewish children with holiday activities, Jewish traditions, arts and games. It strengthens Jewish identity and friendships. Ask the education team about current groups and meeting times.

CTeen and EnerJew offer Jewish learning, social gatherings and experiences for young people in age-appropriate groups. CYP (Chabad Young Professionals) serves young adults and professionals with events, conversations and community connections. Contact Chabad for current schedules.

Yes. Chabad runs summer day camps and holiday activities, including in Kishinev and Bender. Children enjoy games, crafts, outings, friendships and Jewish experiences. Dates, ages and registration details are announced before summer.

Women’s programs include classes, Rosh Chodesh gatherings, workshops, challah-baking events and holiday preparation. These gatherings bring women together and build community. Current dates are shared through Chabad’s channels.

Yes. 770 CHISINAU – “Shabbat Shalom Moldova” was founded in 2021 by Chabad shliach Rabbi Shmuel Zalmanov. It shares weekly online classes and insights on the Torah portion and the Rebbe’s teachings for learners in Moldova and around the world. Lesson archive: https://kishinev.org/category/770-chisinau/.

Humanitarian Aid and Refugee Support

Chabad offers hot meals and food packages to older adults and families experiencing hardship. Services include community meal programs in Kishinev and Bender, holiday distributions and assistance for people who cannot easily leave home. Support depends on needs and available resources.

Older adults, Holocaust survivors, low-income families, refugees and others in hardship may contact us. Requests are considered individually, with dignity and discretion; assistance depends on needs and available funding.

Support includes hot meals, food packages, home visits, friendly contact and essential help. When resources allow, we also assist with medicines and urgent medical needs. Beyond practical aid, we want no one to feel forgotten.

Winter Relief helps older adults, refugees and families in hardship manage high heating costs. Depending on funding, the program assists with heating bills and other essentials. During operating hours, Kishinev’s Central Synagogue also provides a warm community space.

Since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Chabad Moldova has assisted more than 25,000 refugees and travelers in need. Help has included kosher meals, temporary accommodation, transport, information and urgent assistance. Support continues as needs and resources allow.

Alongside four larger communities, Chabad serves 14 smaller and remote communities through visits, Passover Seders, shofar visits, Chanukah events, prayers and food assistance. Rabbi Shneur Zalman Tiefenbrun coordinates this work. Contact: +373 612 22 059.

Contact the Chabad office and briefly describe the need. Each request is handled sensitively and discreetly, subject to available assistance. Phone: +373 22 541 023; email: bet-chabad@chabad.md.

Jewish History and Heritage

Jewish communities have lived in Moldova for centuries, with synagogues, schools and rich cultural life. Pogroms, the Holocaust and Soviet repression caused immense losses. Since the end of communist rule, Jewish communal life has been rebuilding, and Chabad works to preserve its memory and future.

The 1903 Kishinev pogrom was a devastating antisemitic attack in which 49 Jews were killed, many were injured and Jewish property was destroyed. Another pogrom occurred in 1905. These events affected Jewish communities worldwide. Today, the city’s Jewish community remembers this history while renewing Jewish life.

Yes. Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Leah Gotsel lead Chabad activities in the Bender–Tiraspol area. Chabad Bender offers prayers, Shabbat and holiday meals, education, a soup kitchen and family programs. Address: Strada Comunismului 181, Bender; phone: +373 799 47 708.

Glazer Synagogue in Kishinev was built in 1888 and is an important historic Jewish building. It was restored after World War II, remained a place of Jewish prayer during Soviet times, and today hosts regular services, Torah classes, meals and community activities. Chabad works to preserve its heritage.

Jewish History and Heritage

Jewish communities have lived in Moldova for centuries, with synagogues, schools and rich cultural life. Pogroms, the Holocaust and Soviet repression caused immense losses. Since the end of communist rule, Jewish communal life has been rebuilding, and Chabad works to preserve its memory and future.

The 1903 Kishinev pogrom was a devastating antisemitic attack in which 49 Jews were killed, many were injured and Jewish property was destroyed. Another pogrom occurred in 1905. These events affected Jewish communities worldwide. Today, the city’s Jewish community remembers this history while renewing Jewish life.

Yes. Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Leah Gotsel lead Chabad activities in the Bender–Tiraspol area. Chabad Bender offers prayers, Shabbat and holiday meals, education, a soup kitchen and family programs. Address: Strada Comunismului 181, Bender; phone: +373 799 47 708.

Glazer Synagogue in Kishinev was built in 1888 and is an important historic Jewish building. It was restored after World War II, remained a place of Jewish prayer during Soviet times, and today hosts regular services, Torah classes, meals and community activities. Chabad works to preserve its heritage.

Glazer Synagogue in Kishinev was built in 1888 and is an important historic Jewish building. It was restored after World War II, remained a place of Jewish prayer during Soviet times, and today hosts regular services, Torah classes, meals and community activities. Chabad works to preserve its heritage.

Still have a question? Contact us: +373 22 541 023 | bet-chabad@chabad.md | https://chabad.md