After a Century of Captivity: Historic Synagogue in Siberia Returned to its Owners, Sparking a Wave of Excitement
Freezing winds constantly blow across the vast expanses of Siberia, yet beneath the blanket of snow, a warm fire of vibrant Jewish awakening has been burning in recent years. Decades of a reign of terror attempted to uproot every trace of Yiddishkeit, leaving the holy communities desolate and abandoned. Synagogues and study halls were maliciously expropriated, and many community members sacrificed their lives as holy martyrs (Hy”d) on the altar of keeping the embers glowing. Today, however, it is evident that the Eternity of Israel does not deceive. From the ruins of that dark era, an unprecedented momentum of building and expansion is rising, encompassing the entire country under the guidance of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, who stands guard day and night from the capital, Moscow.
This renewed blossoming has now reached the city of Ulan-Ude, the capital of the Republic of Buryatia located in southeastern Russia. The city’s magnificent, historic synagogue—whose doors first opened in the year 5642 (1882) and were locked shut by the Communist authorities in 5689 (1929)—has seen many upheavals. For nearly a century, the sacred site was used for secular purposes, serving as a university, an aviation club, and more. However, by the grace of Heaven, and following a persistent struggle that reached its official conclusion during the year 5786 (2025–2026), historic documents proved that the property belongs to the Jews, and it has finally been returned to its rightful owners: the local Jewish community.
The monumental task of freeing the building from the bureaucratic tangle required tremendous fortitude. At the forefront of these efforts, paving the way, was the esteemed philanthropist Mr. Yan Yankelovich, who is among the pillars of the local communities. The Shliach and Mara D’asra of the regional capital Irkutsk, Rabbi Aharon HaKohen Wagner, who closely supports the Ulan-Ude community, notes that this is a complex and large-scale project. It will include demolishing the upper floor that was added during the Soviet era and accurately restoring the original structure. According to the head of the community, Mr. Yosef Samsonov, the distinguished donor has taken upon himself the immense task of rehabilitating the site. This includes constructing a magnificent Aron Kodesh and placing a Star of David atop the dome as in former days, thanks to his personal connection with the brother, the Rabbi of Krasnoyarsk, Shliach Rabbi Binyamin Wagner, and his great encouragement throughout the entire project.
The joyous news quickly spread, arousing immense excitement among Jews throughout the entire region. Rabbi Lazar, who is closely following the project’s progress, is expected to soon host the esteemed philanthropist at his residence to bestow his blessing upon the initiative. In a special message, it was made clear that the redemption of the synagogue is not merely about building with stones and wood, but rather a living reflection of the victory of light over darkness and an eternal promise of the continuity of Jewish life.
Approaching the upcoming Yomim Tovim, the community leaders are currently working diligently to finalize the permits with the authorities in order to begin the renovation work. Beyond restoring the synagogue’s former glory, the expectation and prayer among community members is that with the upcoming inauguration of the building, the Jewish and spiritual activities will breathe renewed life into the community and establish its spiritual foundation from the ground up for future generations.
Photo: Community Spokesperson
