The Great Synagogue or Choral Synagogue is a former Orthodox Jewish synagogue, located on Yaroslava Mudroho Street, in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. The synagogue was built in the former Russian Empire in 1860 and the congregation worshipped in the Ashkenazi rite.
| Great Synagogue | |
|---|---|
 The former synagogue, now college, in 2012 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism (former) |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status |
|
| Status |
|
| Location | |
| Location | Yaroslava Mudroho Street, Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast |
| Country | Ukraine |
  Location of the former synagogue in Ukraine | |
| Geographic coordinates | 49°47′51″N 30°07′08″E / 49.79740°N 30.11895°E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Volman |
| Funded by | Count Viadislav-Mikail Branitsky |
| Completed | 1860 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 25.39 metres (83.3 ft) |
| Width | 25.05 metres (82.2 ft) |
| Height (max) | 17.5 metres (57 ft) |
| Materials | Bricks (170,000) |
| Official name | Синагога |
| Type | Architecture |
| Reference no. | 40-Ко |
| [1] | |
The building has been used as a college since the 1950s. In 2019 it was announced that the synagogue will be returned to the local Jewish community.[2]
History
editThe Great Synagogue (also known as the Choral Synagogue) was built in the years 1854 to 1860. In 1905 the synagogue was renovated and a new Holy Ark was built. Inside the building there were also several small shops, which were rented out.
In the 1920s or 1930s, the synagogue was closed by the Soviet authorities. After World War II a college was placed in the building. For this purpose additional walls were built inside.
Architecture
editThe building is nearly square with outer measurements of 25.39 by 25.05 metres (83.3 ft × 82.2 ft). The height to the finishing cornice is 14.91 metres (48.9 ft) and to the rooftop 17.5 metres (57 ft). It has three tiers, whereby the lower two tiers are separated from the upper tier by a molded cornice. The front facade shows six pilaster; the pilasters and the cornice are painted white with the main walls are painted in green.
Old photos show that once the third storey, although square as well, had a much smaller plan. The outer walls were therefore not continuous, but had an offset between the second and third storey;[3][4] that took place in an unknown period.
Despite the alterations the original plan of the synagogue has been preserved. In what was initially the prayer hall, there are four round supporting pillars that continue through each tier. The former prayer hall is surrounded by synagogue rooms which were used as the women's prayer rooms.
Other synagogues in Bila Tserkva
editAt least three more buildings that once were synagogues are preserved in the town. Their condition is not as good as the condition of the Great Synagogue.[6]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "Great Synagogue in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine". The Bezalel Narkiss Index of Jewish Art. The Center for Jewish Art. 1998. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
- ^ "Synagogue of Bila Tserkva to be returned to the Jewish community". Religious Information Service of Ukraine. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
- ^ "Old picture" (image). Judaica. Czech Republic. n.d. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ "Old picture" (image=). Alarmy. Germany. n.d. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ "Great Synagogue in Bila Tserkva,Bila Tserkva (Belaia Tserkov'), 1854-64. // Volman (architect)". The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
- ^ "Great Synagogue in Bila Tserkva". Historic Synagogues in Europe. Jewish Heritage.
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