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28.07.2023 - 18:53 / 34travel.me
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The Jewish people made a significant contribution to the Belarusian culture, but its history was practically crossed out by the Second World War. However, the unique heritage has been preserved, but unfortunately, it is in a sad state. These are synagogues, schools, cemeteries and other important places, which are often forgotten by the locals. But it is important to remember, so here are six powerful synagogues in Belarus, which are now abandoned or empty.
Slonim Synagogue
Hrodna region, Slonim district
The synagogue in Slonim is one of the oldest and most beautiful synagogues in Belarus. It was built in 1642. It was built in the Baroque style, but you can also notice the defensive architecture features: thick walls, high windows, and niche-battlements.
If you manage to get inside, examine the interior carefully. In the center of the synagogue, there is a bimah, an elevation for religious rites. Some ancient frescoes are preserved on its dome. It must be said that in Slonim synagogue, unlike many other synagogues, stucco and painting were well preserved. For example, there are paintings of ceremonial and secular musical instruments, drapery, flower bouquets. On the eastern wall, there is an aron ha-qodesh (“sacred ark”), an ornate cabinet that enshrines the sacred Torah.
In general, the synagogue is pretty well preserved, but due to the fact that the building has been empty for a long time, it begins to go down. There have been no worships here since the German occupation: the building was used as a warehouse and commercial premises then. (by the way, the 19th-century synagogue next door is still a furniture store). And after the collapse of the USSR, the synagogue became empty.
This synagogue can't be called fully abandoned: the building was given to the Jews in the early 2000s. They put a fence around the building and started the restoration works. But unfortunately, over the past 20 years, there has been no visible change. Recently, it was reported that the British want to help restore the Jewish shrine and are ready to give money for this. That would be very cool.
how to get there
If you are driving from Minsk, head for the P-1 highway, which flows into the E-30 highway, and then into the M-1. When you pass Baranavičy, turn right at the village of Biarozaŭka, and the road will lead you to Slonim. The synagogue is located at vulica Savieckaja, 1.
Ryžany Synagogue
Brest region, Pružany district
Here, in the former brilliant residence of the Sapiehi family, which is now a typical urban settlement, there was a large Jewish community: there were about 7 synagogues! The most important of them was the Great Synagogue. For the first time, a religious building on this place
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Ровно год назад, 21 марта 2017 года, редакция 34travel запустила Go to Belarus – большой и горячо любимый проект о «лучшем в Беларуси». В том и только в том смысле, как это понимает наша команда. Без идеологической мишуры или приступов самобичеваний. Главный редактор 34travel Антон Кашликов – о самом важном.
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