Moldova appoints first chief rabbi in 12 years as Jewish community revives

Moldova will inaugurate Rabbi Menachem Mendel Axelrod as its first chief rabbi in 12 years on August 12, following his election by all streams of the country's Judaism, marking a new chapter for the revived community. Rabbi Zushe Abelsky, head Chabad shliach in Moldova, confirmed the appointment, noting Axelrod has served unofficially for a decade and is widely respected. The post was last held by Abelsky's father, Rabbi Zalman Abelsky, who rebuilt Jewish life there from 1990 until his death in 2014. Chabad has been vital since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sheltering hundreds of refugees nightly and serving 18 cities with only five shluchim families. The community recently opened its first women's ritual bath and plans a Jewish campus, emphasizing long-term continuity.