Two Historic Synagogues Reopen in Russia, One After 90 Years of Disuse

The historic building of the Grand Synagogue in Kaluga, Russia, opened this month after nine decades of inactivity, with detailed renovations bringing it back to its former luster. Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar participated in the opening ceremony on Oct. 8, along with Rabbi Mendy Zaklas, rabbi of the Jewish Community of Bryansk, Russia; local community leaders; and heads of city and regional administration.

The Grand Synagogue of Kaluga—a city in central Russia with a Jewish population of about 2,000—was built by the community in 1913, and served as such up until 1926, the last time the synagogue welcomed Jewish worshippers at its doors. At that point, the building was handed over—first to the labor union and then to a college of fine arts, and all Jewish activities there stopped.

Two years ago, the regional administration made a decision to return the building to its historical owners. Since then—with the help of the Federation of Jewish communities of the CIS, the support of the Czernin family and the input of the local Jewish community—the building’s interior and exterior underwent major renovations, and all new communications materials and wiring were installed for contemporary use.

The reopening of the synagogue is an epic event for the Jewish community of Kaluga, residents say, and will serve as a catalyst for reviving Jewish life in the area.

“The synagogue will serve not only as a place for religious services, but as an active center of community life, and cultural and educational programs,” said Rabbi Berel Lazar at the opening ceremony. In addition to prayer services, the synagogue will host a center for the elderly, a children’s Sunday school, a kosher cafeteria and a library.

The Grand Synagogue of Kaluga—a city in central Russia with a Jewish population of about 2,000—was built by the community in 1913, and served as such up until 1926.

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar hangs a mezuzah at the entrance to the main building.

Lazar, second from left, and Rabbi Mendy Zaklas of the Jewish community of Bryansk, right, joined with local leaders, and city and regional administrators to cut the official ribbon at the grand opening.

“The synagogue will serve not only as a place for religious services, but as an active center of community life, and cultural and educational programs,” said Lazar, left, shown here with Zaklas, right.

‘A Joyous Moment’ in St. Petersburg

In related news, the oldest prayer hall of St. Petersburg, Russia—the “Small Synagogue,” opened its doors to the public after four years of renovations in the days following Rosh Hashanah. The synagogue is a beloved city landmark that has been the hub of Jewish life even under the most grueling conditions in the past century. Members of local Jewish community, business and cultural leaders, and heads of city administration celebrated the opening.

The "Small Synagogue" of St. Petersburg's gold-covered bimah, uniquely patterned ceiling and wooden floors exemplify the architectural glory of the synagogue.

Built in 1886, the Small Synagogue (called so in comparison to the city’s Grand Choral Synagogue that was built seven years later) is part of St. Petersburg’s synagogue compound. As opposed to the main synagogue that carried only perfunctory functions under the Communist regime, the Small Synagogue remained the real center of community cultural life and tradition throughout the years. Even during World War II—when the city was under German siege and people were dying routinely from bombings, hunger and cold—the Small Synagogue remained open.

Rabbi Menachem Pewzner, the chief rabbi of St. Petersburg, affixes a mezuzah to the newly refurbished Small Synagogue.

During the years of Perestroika, the Small Synagogue was the first place that saw a renewed interest in Jewish roots among the younger generation.

Activity never stopped, but the building had become broken-down. Both the facade and the historical interior, including the gold-covered bimah, uniquely patterned ceiling and wooden floors were in dire need of restoration.

In 2011, the city’s Jewish community—with the generous help of Lili Safra, in memory of her late husband Edmond Safra, undertook the massive effort needed to restore the synagogue. Over four years, the building underwent major renovations and now boasts its original historic glory.

“The reopening of the Small Synagogue is a joyous moment,” said Rabbi Menachem Pewzner, the chief rabbi of St. Petersburg. “And it is symbolic that this happened on Rosh Hashanah, the time for renewal and blessed beginnings.”

Community members enter the synagogue, a beloved city landmark that has been the hub of Jewish life even under the most grueling conditions in the past century.

Members of local Jewish community, business and cultural leaders, and heads of city administration attend the recent opening of the Small Synagogue after four years of renovations.

“The reopening of the Small Synagogue is a joyous moment,” declared Rabbi Pewzner.