By COLlive reporter
Photos: Sergei Transhin
The Great Synagogue of Samara in southwestern Russia was originally constructed in 1908 (5668), with seating for some 1,000 congregants. The three-story building, adorned with distinctively Jewish architectural elements, was a beacon of strength and growth for the Jewish community, which at its height was among the most prominent ones in Russia.
In 1923 (5683), however, the congregants were forced to submit an official request to the authorities, saying they wished to repurpose the building for the city’s cultural use, as they “no longer needed it for prayer.”
Shortly afterward, the building was converted into a bakery, which operated for decades. The intense heat caused severe damage, including the destruction of the eastern wall. The grand building’s beauty was left in ruins.
About 26 years ago, Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar visited the historic shul. The governor who accompanied him during the visit was so moved that he declared his intention to present the building as a gift to the Jewish community. But the red-brick structure stood in ruins, a shadow of its former grandeur and Jewish identity.
Over the last few years, philanthropist Michael Lesinski stepped up as one of the leading supporters of the extensive renovation of the Great Synagogue. Due to complex bureaucracy, engineering challenges, and the painstaking work of restoring original details, the process faced significant delays.
Lesinski, whose family traces its roots to Samara, recently took a flight from Moscow together with Rabbi Lazar to visit Samara. They were greeted by the city’s Shliach Rabbi Shlomo Deutch who reported that construction is due to be completed in 2 years.
A heartfelt reception was held for them at the Or Avner Day School, which has been managed for more than two decades with great dedication by Shlucha Mrs. Dina Deutch. Hundreds of the school’s alumni are raising strong Jewish families.
At the Great Synagogue in the city center, they were greeted by Governor of Samara Oblast Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, his deputy, the mayor, municipal officials, architects, engineers, and media representatives who were covering the significant visit.
During the hour-and-a-half tour, the guests reviewed the progress made so far, the restoration and reconstruction efforts, and the plans for the building’s grand completion, including new wings and halls to serve the large Jewish community of thousands of families.
The governor then invited Rabbi Lazal and Lesinski to drive with him to City Hall, known as the “White Building,” for an official reception in his office, followed by a glatt kosher meal prepared by the Jewish school.
Before returning to the airport, Rabbi Lazar met with many young Jewish residents of the city, offering them blessings and encouraging them to grow in their Jewish lives and build strong Jewish homes.
Under a snowy sky, with heartfelt chassidic dancing outside the White Building, this memorable visit concluded, leaving a lasting impression on Samara’s Jewish community.
Wow gorgeous