Manachem Mendel Axelrod Appointed Youngest Chief Rabbi of Moldova in Historic Ceremony

Manachem Mendel Axelrod, aged 36, was officially inaugurated as the Chief Rabbi of Moldova on Wednesday, making him one of the youngest chief rabbis globally and the youngest in Europe. The ceremony took place at the only synagogue in Chisinau that survived the communist era, attended by Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar, members of the Chief Rabbinate Council, rabbis from various countries, Chabad emissaries, and Jewish community leaders. Axelrod's appointment followed a majority vote by the six heads of Jewish communities in Moldova and received government approval about two months ago.

Born in Atlit and the son of a Chabad emissary, Axelrod has served in Moldova for twelve years, succeeding his grandfather, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, the country's first chief rabbi. His paternal grandfather was Rabbi Gedalia Axelrod, a prominent rabbinical judge in Haifa. In recent years, Axelrod acted in the role, notably managing extensive aid efforts for tens of thousands of Jewish refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Moldova's President Maia Sandu sent a congratulatory letter emphasizing the significance of Axelrod's appointment for both the Jewish community and Moldovan society, pledging a firm commitment against antisemitism and support for religious freedom. During the event, Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar likened the occasion to historic Jewish centers and highlighted the revival of Jewish life after years of persecution. Israeli Ambassador to Moldova, Yoram Elron, praised Chabad's critical role in strengthening local Jewry.

The ceremony's highlight was Rabbi Axelrod being wrapped in a tallit by his father, Rabbi Moshe Axelrod, and other leading rabbis, accompanied by the "Shehecheyanu" blessing. In his emotional speech, Axelrod acknowledged the heavy responsibility and expressed readiness to bring the light of Judaism to every Jewish home in Moldova.