IRKUTSK, Russia [JTA] — In Irkutsk, work has been completed on the restoration of one of the oldest Synagogues in Siberia. The building was constructed 130 years ago and has survived two major fires – one at the end of the century and another one in 2004.
Irkutsk Synagogue Fully Restored
IRKUTSK, Russia [JTA] — In Irkutsk, work has been completed on the restoration of one of the oldest Synagogues in Siberia. The building was constructed 130 years ago and has survived two major fires – one at the end of the century and another one in 2004.
“On the last occasion, the fire destroyed almost the entire Synagogue, burning valuable documents and seriously affecting the prayer hall,” explained Chief Rabbi of Irkutsk Aaron Wagner. Because the building is a monument of cultural history and is protected by the State, a specialized workshop was made available to assist in the restoration effort.
The Synagogue’s rich facades and decorative interior have been returned to it. The Holy Ark, Aron Kodesh, has once again taken its rightful place. Thanks to the many benefactors, more than 70 million rubles has gone towards the Synagogue’s restoration and from now on, a ‘tree of memory’ will honor their contributions.
The joyous opening ceremony following the Irkutsk Synagogue’s restoration will take place on March 24, 2009. The ceremony will be simultaneously dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the Synagogue. Among the high profile guests expected for this remarkable event is Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar.
