Volgograd Synagogue
Encyclopedia
Volgograd Synagogue was a historic synagogue that was destroyed, rebuilt, and is undergoing restoration. It serves the Jewish community of Volgograd, Russia.
). Situated on Balakhinskaya Street, it was built with funds collected from amongst the several hundred Jews, mainly Cantonist
s, who resided here at that time. The Synagogue was eventually confiscated by Soviet authorities. While it survived the Stalingrad battle of World War Two, it was seriously damaged. Its original reconstruction was rushed under Soviet authorities and was of poor quality, with no attention paid to the building's original design.
to the Jewish community, local authorities decided in favor of this idea in 2001. In January 2002, the Jewish community was awarded tenure of the building, which is now used as a Synagogue and Jewish Community Center. In late 2003, the Jewish community obtained documentation that led to the Volgograd State Center for Safeguarding Monuments to award the Synagogue status as an architectural and historical monument.
The Jewish community is currently reconstructing the synagogue, to restore its original historical appearance. A primary examination of the building has already been undertaken. Its reconstruction is being made possible through financial support from the FJC Russia, the Ohr Avner Foundation, and contributions made by Jewish residents of Volgograd. In late 2003, it was renamed "Beit David Synagogue" in honor of David Kolotilkin, the first Chairman of the revived Jewish Community. Prior to his passing away in 2001, Kolotilkin had shouldered the problems of the local community for forty years, as the only local person who knew how to read prayers and lead services in the Synagogue.
Over the past few years, the Synagogue's profile has been boosted, having received coverage on the local TV program "Stories of the City", which was dedicated to its architecture, social and historic status, as well as its inclusion on the city map, which will make it easier for people to find their way to the Synagogue.
History
The synagogue was originally built in 1898 by the Jewish community of Tsaritsino (VolgogradVolgograd
Volgograd , formerly called Tsaritsyn and Stalingrad is an important industrial city and the administrative center of Volgograd Oblast, Russia. It is long, north to south, situated on the western bank of the Volga River...
). Situated on Balakhinskaya Street, it was built with funds collected from amongst the several hundred Jews, mainly Cantonist
Cantonist
Cantonists were underage sons of Russian conscripts who from 1721 were educated in special "canton schools" for future military service .-Cantonist schools during the 18th and early 19th centuries:Cantonist...
s, who resided here at that time. The Synagogue was eventually confiscated by Soviet authorities. While it survived the Stalingrad battle of World War Two, it was seriously damaged. Its original reconstruction was rushed under Soviet authorities and was of poor quality, with no attention paid to the building's original design.
Modern history
After Jewish leaders appealed to City Council Chairman V. Popov and Mayor Yuri Chekhov to return the synagogueSynagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
to the Jewish community, local authorities decided in favor of this idea in 2001. In January 2002, the Jewish community was awarded tenure of the building, which is now used as a Synagogue and Jewish Community Center. In late 2003, the Jewish community obtained documentation that led to the Volgograd State Center for Safeguarding Monuments to award the Synagogue status as an architectural and historical monument.
The Jewish community is currently reconstructing the synagogue, to restore its original historical appearance. A primary examination of the building has already been undertaken. Its reconstruction is being made possible through financial support from the FJC Russia, the Ohr Avner Foundation, and contributions made by Jewish residents of Volgograd. In late 2003, it was renamed "Beit David Synagogue" in honor of David Kolotilkin, the first Chairman of the revived Jewish Community. Prior to his passing away in 2001, Kolotilkin had shouldered the problems of the local community for forty years, as the only local person who knew how to read prayers and lead services in the Synagogue.
Over the past few years, the Synagogue's profile has been boosted, having received coverage on the local TV program "Stories of the City", which was dedicated to its architecture, social and historic status, as well as its inclusion on the city map, which will make it easier for people to find their way to the Synagogue.