The life of the Jewish community in St. Petersburg was (and still is) complicated and full of challenges. The Jewish people were always part of the history of this city since the time of Peter the Great. Despite that they could not avoid the repressions and persecutions that all the Jews in Russia suffered at the times of the Tsars and during the Soviet period. They were not allowed to live in the Capital city for a long time – most of them had to move to the South of Russia to live behind the Pale of Settlement. Even after it became possible to settle in this city – they could not build a Synagogue, for the official religion in Russia was Orthodox Christianity. The construction of the Synagogue was only allowed by Tsar Alexander II in the second half of the 19^th century, and for that the Jews had to pay a big price (besides the money) – they had to close all the praying houses in the city – that was the condition on which the permission was given. Since then the Synagogue has always been active, even (by some miracle) under the Soviets.

The Big Choral Synagogue, which was completed by 1893, is in fact the first choice place for you to visit in St. Petersburg. It is the second largest Synagogue in Europe. It is also a most beautiful building constructed in the Moorish style. Though the Synagogue is a very important architectural and historical monument it was hardly taken any care of after the World War Two, so the building was in a deplorable state until Edmond Safra, the famous South Afrcan banker, donated a huge sum of money for its restoration. That’s why today the Synagogue (which has lately been given a perfect restoration) is named after him. The Synagogue is situated in the historical centre of the city so it is very convenient to see it during the city tour or to organize a special tour of the Synagogue, or visit the Sabbath service. You can also visit a kosher food store and a Kosher restaurant on the territory of the Synagogue.

If your are interested in a more detailed tour into the culture, history and present activity of St. Petersburg Jewish Community, we can offer you to visit:

• Hesed Avraam Charity centre – the centre which was based by the Jewish Community in 1993 and deals with supporting numerous social programs regarding elderly and disabled Jewish people and families in need. It is situated at 25À, Bolshaya Raznochinnaya st. Office 7 (812) 449-58-59. PR-department 7 (812) 449-58-55. More information you can find on the official cite of the center.
• "History and culture of the Jewish people on the territory of Russia" - an exhibition in The Russian Museum of Ethnography. This exhibition is considered to be a first step to basing a separate museum of Jewish culture. The tour of the exhibition will take from 45 min to 1 hour and will be conducted by the specialist of the Museum. You can find more information about the exhibition here.
• Jewish Community Centre – (H3, Rubinstein St.) the centre of the life of the Jewich Community, where lectures and concerts are organized and where those who would like to get acquainted with the life of the Jewish people in St. Petersburg can come.
• Jewish Community Centre “MAOR” – (Novolitovskaya 7A), where in 2008, the second Synagogue Beit-Menahem in St. Petersburg was opened. And though it is not in a separate building, but occupies several rooms in the Community Centre, nevertheless it fully meets all the requirements of the Jewish law, and is very significant for it is the second Synagogue in St. Petersburg since the time the Big Choral Synagogue was opened.
• Jewish Cemetery (Pr.Alexandrovskoy Fermi) – a cemetery which exists since 1875. From the architectural point of view the most interesting monument there is the Lavabo House – a beautiful construction of the beginning of the 20^th century. Also it is a burial place for many historical figures such as Mark Antokolsky (a famous sculptor), David Ginsburg (a scientist and art lover, the leader of the Jewish Community in the 19^th century), Abraham Lubanov (the head Rabbi of the St. Petersburg Synagogue during the time of the World War II and the post-war period), Moses Altman (a famous writer). Also, during the Soviet time common graves of the Baltic Sailors killed in the Word War II and citizens who died during the siege of Leningrad were made there.

You can find more information about the Jewish Community of St. Petersburg here.

Usupov's palace Novgorod Citizen's view Dostoevsky's St.Petersburg St.Petersburg Ballet Russian Porcelain