Alan Villarreal RTGAmbassador Our visit to the Moscow Choral Synagogue was a short yet highly rewarding experience. Being a person who greatly esteems the culture of Israel, my joy was full as we entered this authentic house of worship. The men in our group were handed complementary kippahs to wear on our heads as we entered the holy sanctuary, instantly increasing my enthusiasm. We engaged in inquiry with one of the synagogue rabbis; he shared the synagogue's history, which had its founding in 1891. Interestingly, he explained how this was the only synagogue allowed to operate during the Soviet period in Moscow? an attempt by the government to appear more tolerant and less antisemitic. Although we were not privy hearing the men's acapella choir (from which the synagogue derives its name), the experience was personally enriching, helping me view the Jewish faith with greater regard. When I've read about events taking place in a synagogue in the Bible, I had imagined them to be simple and quaint, placing more emphasis on the Scriptures rather than the setting. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to view this synagogue's focus on elegant decor and intricate interior design. Even so, the contrasting Edenic paintings of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life; the walls interlaced with Hebrew Scriptures and prayers; and the pastel color schemes that characterized the room enhanced the atmosphere, making it appear heavenly.
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