After the historic synagogue building in the Siberian city of Tomsk was returned to the Jewish community about 7 years ago, led by the city's rabbi and Chabad emissary, Rabbi Levi Kaminetzky, in a special ceremony held with the participation of the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, joyful news arrived on the eve of the holiday of Purim.
The Siberian government has decided to take on the responsibility of financing an extensive renovation, as part of the restoration of the entire building, which is recognized as a national heritage site.
After years of negotiations, authorities in the city of Tomsk in central Siberia returned the historic synagogue built by Jewish 'cantonists' who were exiled by the Russian Tsar to distant Siberia.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
The building, made entirely of wood, was built by Jewish 'Cantonists' about two hundred years ago, and for many years they prayed there with devotion, until it was nationalized by the communists, and turned into a residential building where local families lived.
In recent years, efforts have been made to return the building to the Jewish community in Tomsk. To expedite the process, the governor arranged for alternative housing for the 17 families who had settled in the historic and sacred building over the years.
As mentioned, seven years ago, the community received ownership of the building in a moving ceremony held at the entrance, when the rabbi of Russia was given the keys to the building. However, since then, a long bureaucracy has begun, which ended this week with the great news that the renovation of the place will be carried out by the government itself and at its expense.
Great excitement gripped all members of the community in Tomsk upon hearing the joyful news, and with special care the news arrived on the eve of the holiday of Purim, when many are expected to take part in the events of the large community, which includes educational and charitable institutions.
In the photos: The historic building and the ceremony of handing over the keys to the Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, alongside the Rabbi of Tomsk, Rabbi Levi Kaminetzky
[gallery]
