Rabbi Moshe Kolomoitsev: The Man that made the Jewish Community of Vienna Shine Again

Alexander Zanzer (AZ):
I have the honour of celebrating the Pesach Seder with Vienna’s Russian-speaking Jewish community. The warmth I felt tonight has no equivalent anywhere else in Europe. At a time when antisemitism, demographic decline and sheer economic pressure have eroded the social fabric of many European communities, this Kehilla stands out as a living example of what Jewish life once was—and what it can become again when it is lovingly nurtured. I am delighted to welcome its spiritual leader, Rabbi Moshe Kolomoitsev, for this conversation.

From an apartment minyan to a landmark centre

AZ: Where did you start, physically?

RMK:
In a 100 m² apartment! Every class, kiddush and holiday meal happened there. A few years later we moved to 250 m², and when the war in Ukraine broke out we relocated once more—to a 1,000 m² centre in the very heart of Vienna. Today it houses a synagogue, banquet hall and children’s centre; it is our pride and joy.

Community life in 2025

AZ: What does a regular Shabbat look like now?

RMK:
Between 100 and 150 people for prayers, followed by a festive meal in the hall. On festivals we host still more—300 at the last Pesach Seder and about 200 on Purim. The average member is around 35 years old: young families, students at local universities, newcomers from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and even Germany, where Jewish life has weakened lately.

AZ: And the programmes?

RMK:
Since the war began we added free hot meals, German courses, psychological counselling and social projects. These acts of chesed do more than meet material needs; they weave strangers into a family. You’ll now find people who never kept a holiday dancing on Simchat Torah or sitting in a sukkah for the first time.

Challenges on the ground

AZ: What obstacles remain?

RMK:
Language and bureaucracy top the list. Integrating into Austrian society means mastering German and navigating complex visa rules. The current economic climate adds pressure: people want to work, not live on benefits. We help with job searches, skills courses and food parcels—100 families received assistance before this Pesach. Most of all, we give them a sense of home.

Looking ahead

AZ: Do your members intend to stay?

RMK:
The vast majority do. They’ve learnt the language, found employment, their children are settled in school. The uncertainty is legal status: if the war ends, temporary protection might lapse, so securing proper work visas is crucial.

AZ: Your vision for the next decade?

RMK:
Optimistic and ambitious! We’re planning a full renovation of the hall, a kosher restaurant, a kindergarten and eventually a school. In five to ten years I see a modern, vibrant hub filled with Jews who are materially secure and spiritually thriving.

Partners and philosophy

AZ: Who are your partners?

RMK:
Locally we cooperate with other Viennese communities, notably Europe’s largest Bukharian kehilla, which also has many Russian speakers. Internationally our twin community is at the Altneu Synagogue in New York, led by philanthropist Alex Tzigutkin, who is also president of our Viennese community. Across generations we foster respect: the young honour the old and the old bless the young.

AZ: A final word?

RMK:
Our motto is “Be better today than yesterday.” Like adding a candle each night of Chanukah, we aim for constant growth—in Torah, in community spirit and in professional excellence. With the devoted team we have, I believe the brightest pages of our story are still unwritten.