Our Legacy: The CIS Synagogues

The Synagogues in the Past
Before 1917
The Soviet Period

The Return of Synagogues
The Establishment of a Legal Basis for the Return of Synagogues

The Establishment of the JDC's Restitution Program:
First Successes and First Problems

"For Use" or "For Ownership"?

Seminars and Instructional Materials

Restitution in the CIS:
the International Aspect

"The More Property" -
the More Worry"

Relations with Local Authorities

The Results of Restitution Activity and a Shift in Emphasis

Appendix 1

Renovation and Reconstruction of Synagogue Buildings

Appendix 2

List of Synagogue Buildings Returned to Jewish Communities and Synagogues Functioning Today in the CIS

Bibliography

Index of Photos

American Jewish Joint
Distribution Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Appendix 1

Renovation and Reconstruction of Synagogue Buildings

Kherson. Renovation of the façade of the Synagogue.
1999-2000

Const. 1895. Functioned as a synagogue until 1941, when it was burned by the Nazis. During the post-war period it was rebuilt but used as a clinic for alcoholics and drug-addicts. 1990 returned for use to the Jewish community. The exterior has been renovated, but the interior still requires reconstruction.



Penza. Synagogue and Jewish Community Center. Renovation
1999-2001

Const. - early 20th century. 1931 closed, transformed into a club for workers in the sewing industry and 3rd storey added. 1945 a guardhouse in the synagogue courtyard was returned for use to the community. 1991 the synagogue building was also returned for use; 1993 it was given as property to the community. Building was partially renovated in 1993 and 1996 and, more comprehensively, in 1999-2001. The latter repairs were carried out with support of local sponsors and the JDC.



Kerch. Synagogue reconstruction
Closed in 1939. 2000 returned as property to the Jewish community. Renovation carried out with funds from the Pozner Foundation and support of the JDC.



Dnepropetrovsk. The Golden Rose Choral Synagogue. Renovation. 1999-2000.
Const. 1852. Closed 1929, transformed into a Jewish worker’s club for members of the union of sewing workers. Building repaired in the 1960s. 1994 - returned for use of the Jewish community. During renovation as a synagogue, the planners did not attempt to restore its original form. The façade, altered in 1960, was preserved but the interior was completed in a contemporary style. Renovation was carried out with funding from local sponsors and the foreign philanthropists Lev Levayev and Sam and George Rohr, with aid also from the JDC.



Yaroslavl. Jewish Culture Center
Synagogue const. 1916-1924. Closed 1936, transformed into a dormitory for workers of an automotive factory. In 1994 building, in sorry condition (78% destroyed) given to the Tse Ulmad Jewish Culture Center. Partial repairs were undertaken in 1995, 1997, and 1999, mainly funded locally; however, many problematic aspects of the building were not taken care of. Comprehensive renovation began in 2000, with funds from JDC’s restitution fund and under the direction of JDC engineers.



Kostroma. Wooden synagogue. Renovation 2000-2001
Const. 1907, in the “Russian style,” with carved window jambs. Expropriated 1930. Returned in stages (1995-1998) to the Jewish community. 2000-2001 completely renovated, with major legal, engineering, and financial aid of the JDC. Original form of the building was preserved in the restoration.



Tyumen. Reconstruction of the synagogue from ruins. 2000-2001
Const. 1911-1915. Closed 1930, building was transformed into a music school. 1993, in dilapidated condition, it returned to the Jewish community. After this, the roof and internal ceilings collapsed. For several years no repairs were carried out due to the cost. In 1999 the JDC agreed (with the community) to cover one quarter of the expenses of reconstruction if local sponsors would pay for the rest. In 2000 a local gas company accepted the role of sponsor and renovation began at a rapid pace.



Voronezh. First stage of renovation
Const. in 1907. Closed in 1939, then used as a storage depot. During World War II the building was seriously damaged; it was subsequently repaired and again used for storage. 1996 returned for use to the Jewish community. Initial attempts of the community to carry out partial repairs were unsuccessful. In 2000 a comprehensive plan for renovation was prepared. The Russian Jewish Congress and the JDC undertook to provide main support. Renovations began in 2001.


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