The holy book disguised as a Russian book: The Jewish cache discovered unexpectedly

During renovations at the Jewish educational building in Kostroma, Russia, construction workers discovered a hidden cache containing holy books and prayer books that were concealed during the communist era. One book was found bound in a disguised cover of a secular Russian book, with its pages open to chapters of Pirkei Avot. The discovery takes place in a historic building recently returned to the Jewish community.

During renovation work at the Jewish educational building in the city of Kostroma, Russia, construction workers discovered a historic cache containing holy books and prayer books that were hidden during the terror of the communist regime. One book was found bound in a disguised cover of a secular Russian book, with its pages open to chapters of Pirkei Avot — a testament to the fear of religious persecutors and the courage of the local Jews. The city of Kostroma holds historical significance in Chabad Hasidism: it was the place of exile for the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, after his arrest in 1927. The buildings were previously confiscated by the authorities, and since the arrival of Rabbi Rupo 24 years ago, a struggle for their return has been ongoing. The efforts bore fruit with the help of philanthropist David Aminov, who returned the rabbi's house to the community for 40 years. Alongside the discovery of the books, the writing of a new Torah scroll has begun, which will be brought into the building in 2027, marking 100 years since the Rebbe's release from exile. The Torah scroll was donated by Netanel Berkowitz in memory of his mother. Now, alongside the restoration of the walls, the school year at the Jewish school has opened on Sunday, symbolizing the revival of the community.