Synagogue’s Anniversary

S. PETERSBURG, Russia [FJC] — Today, the Jewish community of S. Petersburg is marking the anniversary when, exactly 115 years ago on December 8th, 1893, its Great Choral Synagogue was built. Built on Bolshaya Masterskaya Street (now Lermontov Avenue), a festive ceremony took place on that historic day so many years ago in order to consecrate the new Great Choral Synagogue.

Today’s ceremony took place in the very same central prayer hall that has, thank G-d, once again come to be the center of Jewish life in Russia’s northern capital, hosting Jewish holidays, lectures, concerts and other gatherings.

At the Great Choral Synagogue’s inauguration 115 years ago, the community’s Rabbi of the time expressed hope that the new temple “will be the beginning of the future temple, the temple of universal love and peace on earth”. These words have not lost its relevance today. The Jewish community of S. Petersburg – a leading member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia – continues to be a steadfast and active player in the life of the city and north-western Russia in general, in addition to being famed for its successes amongst communities throughout the former Soviet Union. The Great Choral Synagogue has been central in this.