World Jewish News

Modern synagogue should be the religious center.

Adolf Shaevich, chief rabbi of the Congress of Jewish Religious Organizations and Communities of Russia visited Voronezh on February, 22. The purpose of visit was participation in reporting-elective conference of a local religious community, getting acquainted with its activity, and discussion with local authorities regarding restoration of a city synagogue.
Voronezh synagogue was constructed in 1899-1902 (upon the project of known Voronezh architect, Catholic by confession, who previously designed a building of the city church), and has been one of the ten largest synagogues of pre-revolutionary Russia.
The synagogue in Voronezh has been closed by the decision of Soviet authorities in 1937. After that communal life and first attempts to repair the synagogue were initiated in 1998 after warehouse of local manufacturing association was moved out of the cult building. However, the efforts of community members were not enough for complete restoration. At the moment a big hall of assemblies is not restored yet.
Rabbi A.Shaevich discussed with Voronezh vice-governor Vladimir Kobyashev and representatives of federal agency in charge of federal property management, an opportunity to transfer the synagogue into ownership of religious organization. During the press-conference Adolf Shaevich pointed out that local authorities understand the needs of religious organizations and support their development at the local level.
Jewish Community of Voronezh approximates 3 thousand Jews, in the beginning of XX century, when synagogue was built, the size of community was approximately the same.

Источник: blagovest-info.ru