Adolf Shayevitch (born 1938) is one of two completing claimants to the title of Chief Rabbi of Russia.^[1] He had formerly been the head of the central Moscow Choral Synagogue, and as Chief Rabbi of Moscow. Shayevitch was appointed chief rabbi by the non-Chabad Russian Jewish Congress, and Rabbi Berel Lazar is the other contender for the title.^[2] Location Position of Moscow in Europe Government Country District Subdivision Russia Central Federal District Federal City Mayor Yuriy Luzhkov Geographical characteristics Area  - City 1,081 km² Population  - City (2007)    - Density 10,469,000   9684. ... The Russian Jewish Congress is the primary rabbinical organisation in the Former USSR. Its current head is Vladimir Slutsker. ... Rabbi Berel Lazar is the Chief Rabbi of Russia, and is the chairman of the rabbinical alliance of the CIS. Education A native of Milan, Italy, Rabbi Lazar was born in 1964 to parents who were among the first emissaries of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. ...

In June 2000 as dispute between Lazar and Shayevich escalated after Chabad requested that Shayeivch resign his post. At the time there were suggestions of Kremlin involvement in the dispute.^[3]

Putin has shunned Shayevitch, not inviting him to any state events or giving him any posts. Lazar on the other hand is a close associate of Putin, has received a number of important official positions and has been showered with medals by the Putin government. Shayevich's closeness to Vladimir Goussinsky, the head of the Russian Jewish Congress is thought to be the cause of his isolation. After Goussinsky supported Putin's rivals for President in 1999, Putin immediately brought Lazar into his circle on becoming president. The Russian Jewish Congress is the primary rabbinical organisation in the Former USSR. Its current head is Vladimir Slutsker. ...

In 1987 he was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship of Peoples.^[4] The Order of Friendship of Peoples (Russian: ) was an order of the Soviet Union, and was awarded to persons (including non-citizens), organizations, enterprises, military units, as well as administrative subdivisions of the USSR for accomplishments in strengthening of inter-ethnical and international friendship and cooperation, for economical, political, scientifical...

Citations

1. ^ Israelis in Moscow: A Bit of Banter, and Prayers, New York Times, July 30, 1988
2. ^ Russian Jewry split over election of Chief Rabbi, BBC, Jun 13, 2000
3. ^ Red flags go up, then come down, in Russian rabbi flap, Michael J, Jordan, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 9, 2000
4. ^ Warmth and Suspicion for Cantor and Rabbi From Soviet Union, New York Times, February 3, 1988