Archaeologists Uncover Treasures of Vilnius’ Great Synagogue as Lithuanian Jews Dispute Its Future
Archaeologists fully exposed the synagogue’s bimah as Lithuanian Jews debate whether restitution funds should support a community center or a preserved memorial.
- On Tuesday, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced that Israeli archaeologists fully uncovered the central bimah at the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Vilnius, Lithuania, following a month of excavation work.
- Nazi Germany destroyed the 17th-century synagogue during World War II, and Soviet authorities later razed the structure; Seligman's team has excavated there since 2015 after clearing the Soviet-era school building overhead.
- Seating plaques bearing worshippers' names, including Gitel Klachek, emerged alongside colorful floors and a plaque engraved with the Ten Commandments. Dr. John Seligman of the Israel Antiquities Authority said these finds give "personal familiarity with the people who prayed here."
- Faina Kukliansky, chair of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, plans to build a community center over the excavation site, but Rabbi Sholom Ber Krinsky opposes covering the location with secular cultural activities.
- Critics argue the site must remain a "living Jewish religious center" or purely archaeological exhibit, with debates highlighting deep rifts over how to honor a community nearly erased in the Holocaust.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Excavations uncover altar of Vilnius' Great Synagogue, destroyed in Holocaust
Archaeologists uncovered parts of the prayer hall, the women's atrium, colorful floors and plaques with names of congregation members, providing a 'moving, almost personal familiarity with the people who prayed here and communal life,' Israel's Antiquities Authority said
Archaeologists uncover treasures of Vilnius’ Great Synagogue as Lithuanian Jews dispute its future
Vilnius was a major center of Jewish thought, famed for both its religious tradition and modern secular Jewish culture. It was home to the 18th-century Vilna Gaon, a highly influential sage.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The ForwardArchaeologists uncover treasures of Vilnius’ Great Synagogue as Jews dispute its future
Plans for the recovered ruins have sparked a debate over what should be built on the site, and who gets to decide. The post Archaeologists uncover treasures of Vilnius’ Great Synagogue as Jews dispute its future appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Inside the extensive efforts to excavate the historic Vilna synagogue
During recent efforts to excavate the Great Synagogue of Vilna to preserve Lithuanian Jewish history, archaeologists have uncovered its central bimah and rare artifacts, along with more of its flooring and surrounding structures. The post WATCH: Inside the extensive efforts to excavate the historic Vilna synagogue appeared first on World Israel News.
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