To Russian Jews, the synagogue was the center of religion and religion was the
most important thing in their lives. The rabbi was their leader, they came to him with
every problem they had. Jews were poor, but they all gave tzedakah. It was said that
even the poorest Jews could find someone poorer to help and give money to. According
to the Jewish religion, tzedakah is one of the most important mitzvahs you can do. The
same could be said about the Jewish holidays. They were observed very strictly, but
Shabbat was the most welcomed. In order to teach the importance of Jewish law, th…
