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Coming full circle: Luxury watch belonging to Chabad rebbes found by hasidic children in Lyubavichi

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Children at a Jewish summer camp in Lyubavichi, Russia, discovered a rare antique pocket watch and old coins while participating in an archaeological project.
  • The find occurred in the historic courtyard of the town, the birthplace of the Chabad Hasidic movement, and is believed to have belonged to a member of the rebbes' families.
  • Russia's chief rabbi called the discovery "evidence of the triumph of the spirit," symbolizing the resilience of Jewish tradition.

A remarkable discovery was made at a Jewish summer camp in Lyubavichi, Russia, the historic birthplace of the Chabad Hasidic movement. Children participating in an archaeological preservation project in the courtyard of the rebbes' former residence unearthed a rare, antique pocket watch and old ruble coins.

evidence of the triumph of the spirit.

— Rabbi Berel LazarRussia's chief rabbi, describing the significance of the discovered pocket watch and coins.

The find, dated July 12, 2026, has been hailed by Russia's chief rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar, as "evidence of the triumph of the spirit." The pocket watch, noted for its high quality and elaborate craftsmanship, is believed to have belonged to a member of the rebbes' families who once lived and worked at the site. The discovery sparked immediate joy and spontaneous dancing among the campers and staff.

This significant find coincided with Rabbi Lazar's visit to the main summer camp outside Moscow. During his meeting with the children, he received a symbolic gift: a 100-year-old red Pioneer necktie, a relic from the communist era when Jewish traditions were suppressed. Beside it was a green necktie, representing the modern Hasidic summer camp. Organizers highlighted this juxtaposition as a message of the triumph of the Jewish spirit over historical repression.

Our greatest success as a community is seeing how we take care of the next generation.

— Rabbi Berel LazarRussia's chief rabbi, speaking to the campers about community efforts.

Rabbi Lazar emphasized the community's success in nurturing the next generation, speaking to campers who are often the sole Jewish representatives in their remote Russian cities. The Chabad summer camp project in Russia, run by hundreds of rabbis and emissaries, continues to foster tradition across borders.

This opposite that

— OrganizersDescribing the symbolic significance of the red Pioneer necktie and the green Hasidic necktie.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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