Rabbi Raphael Rutman Chanuka Kiev 2019 00-017_cr.jpg

Born in London, UK, he received his secondary education in Great Britain. Received a bachelor's degree in "Higher Jewish Education" in the United States. Became an envoy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Ukraine in 1993.

Rafael Rutman founded many children's social programs in our country. Also, with his direct participation, the first Jewish orphanages for orphans in Ukraine were opened. Winter and summer Jewish children's camps were created by his initiative. 

He also founded Jewish orphanages in many cities of Ukraine. Created children's entertainment clubs throughout the CIS.

He is a founder and a manager of two schools in Kiev - primary and secondary, as well as a junior rabbinical college.

Leads the international Jewish community for diplomats and local and foreign businessmen in Kyiv.

He is the Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, an organization that all the rabbis of Ukraine are a part of.

Responsible for all international relations of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.

Married to Dvora, born in Miami. Has 7 children.