The Great Choral Synagogue, Russia

You can see the Great Choral Synagogue in Saint Petersburg. It was built in 1893. The Jewish community of Saint Petersburg numbered about 10,000 people at the end of the 19th century. The construction of the new synagogue was initiated by its representatives. The construction of a new large-scale building was largely carried out on the donations of wealthy citizens. Maecenas S. S. Polyakov and Baron Ginzburg were among them. Talented architects and builders managed to build a luxurious building in the Moorish style in just 10 years. It has many interesting features.

Special acoustics take place in the synagogue hall. If you say something in a whisper, the words will be heard and distinguishable at a distance of 10 meters. The Great Choral Synagogue in Saint Petersburg became one of the few religious institutions that successfully continued to function even during the Second World War. The synagogue was closed for a short time only in the post-revolutionary period. The synagogue was recognized as a religious monument of national significance in 1978. Its first major reconstruction began during this period.

A day school was opened at the synagogue in 1991. About 500 children are being trained there now. Besides, two charity canteens are located on the territory of the synagogue. About 300 people visit them daily. The synagogue in Saint Petersburg has been participating in various charitable and cultural programs over the past years. Cultural and educational events of various subjects are often held in it. Next - Moscow Choral Synagogue