Rabbi Kalman Ber, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Israel, traveled to the Jewish communities of Monaco and southern France this month in a historic visit to reinforce the community’s connection with Israel and Judaism. The visit was arranged and sponsored by Eduard Shyfrin, the well-known businessman, mathematician, and Kabbalah scholar, who is Vice President of the Jewish community of Monaco.
Arriving in Monaco on January 28, Rabbi Ber remained in the principality until his departure on February 1, meeting with members of the Jewish community as well as with the Chief of Staff of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II, Prince of Monaco.
During his visit, Rabbi Ber met with Chabad communities in nearby Nice and Cannes, visited Jewish sites in Monaco, and participated in a cornerstone-laying ceremony dedicating the site where the new Jewish Center will be built. He was the guest of honor at a ceremonial dinner with prominent members of the Monaco Jewish community and visited students at Monaco’s Sunday Jewish school.
Shyfrin noted the importance of Rabbi Ber’s visit and said, “Chief Rabbi Ber’s visit was marked with unprecedented spiritual elevation and enthusiasm. People were queuing to shake hands with Rabbi Ber, and children asked him to sign their kipot. As a result of rising antisemitism in Europe, Jewish communities are in a somber mood. Jewish people in Europe feel as if they are in a besieged fortress because of the strong antisemitism. The visit of the Chief Rabbi was an influx of spirit and a sign of connection with Israel.”
The President of the community, Aaron Frenkel, and the entire community expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Shyfrin, whose vision and dedication made this meaningful visit a reality.
Rabbi Tanhum Matusof, Chabad Rabbi of Monaco, who planned and organized the Chief Rabbi’s visit, said, “As the Chief Rabbi emphasized, ‘The purpose of the human being’s creation is to share with others, to give of oneself, and to be there for one another.’ His words highlighted the essential role of responsibility and mutual care in strengthening unity within the Jewish people and beyond.”
He noted that Ber’s message reflects the essence of Chabad-Lubavitch — Lubavitch, which means “city of love” in Russian. “It represents a philosophy of warmth and light, inspiring acts of kindness, unity, and a shared commitment to bringing peace and harmony into the world.”
Though the number of Jews living in Monaco is relatively small – estimates place the number of Jewish residents between 1,000 and 2,000 – it has one of the highest per capita concentrations of Jewish residents in the world outside of Israel, representing approximately 2.86% to 5% of the total population. The growing community is primarily composed of retirees from France and the United Kingdom, alongside a mix of North African and Turkish Jews.