Riga synagogue (Rigas sinagoga) description and photos - Latvia: Riga (Topic)

Riga synagogue (Rigas sinagoga) description and photo - Latvia: Riga. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Rigas sinagoga.

Photo and description

Riga Synagogue is the only synagogue in Latvia, it is located in old Riga on Peitavas street. At the end of the 19th century, a religious community was formed in Riga, which united the Jews living in the area. A land plot was purchased for the construction, and in 1903 a building permit was obtained.

The synagogue building was designed by two people: a famous architect, art historian Wilhelm Neumann and an aspiring architect Hermann Seiberlich. The created project was changed several times, but the construction of the building was completed in 1905.

Riga synagogue on Peitavas street was one of the four synagogues in the capital. However, on July 4, 1941, after the capture of Riga by German troops, all synagogues except this one were burned down. It was not burned just because that the building was in Old Riga, and the arsonists feared that the entire Old City would burn down. After the war, in the building of the synagogue, in the eastern wall, they found a cache in which the Torah scrolls were hidden. It is assumed that the manuscripts were hidden by the priest of the Reformed Church, Gustav Shaurums. This church is located not far from the synagogue.

During the Soviet period, the Riga synagogue, one of the few operating in the USSR, became the center of Jewish life in the capital, despite all the persecution and supervision. In Soviet times, there was an unspoken ban on Jewish religious life, however, the synagogue did not stop working. Almost no money was allocated for repairs, so a few members of the religious community, to the best of their strength and capabilities, repaired and supported the building. The synagogue choir, led by the famous cantor Abram Abrami, was known not only in the Jewish environment.

The Riga Synagogue on Peitavas Street is one of the few religious buildings in Riga, made in the Art Nouveau style (Art Nouveau). In the interior, as well as in the external decor, you can see ancient Egyptian and Babylonian motifs, or rather, there are images of palm branches and lotus flowers. The interiors of the Riga synagogue are decorated with magnificent decorative stained-glass windows.

During the period from 2007 to 2009. the restoration of the building was carried out. Most of the funds were provided by Euro-funds, in addition, financial support was provided by the state and about a hundred private individuals who made donations.

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Topic: Riga synagogue (Rigas sinagoga) description and photos - Latvia: Riga.