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Big Choral Synagogue

open: summer 09.00 - 18.00

rest of the year - 10.00 - 18.00

Saturdays and holidays - 10.00 - 12.00 (open only for prayers)

General info

The history of St. Petersburg Jewish community keeps its official count since 1802, when the first record in the community book “pinchas” was made. However, throughout the 18th century Jews used to come to the capital of Russian Empire and stay there for a long period of time.

During the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century a small community of Jews who used to be just visitors to the capital of Russian Empire, turned into a rich, prosperous and powerful community, which influenced all the processes related to the life of Russian Jews and actually formed the spiritual and religious life of the country’s Jewry.

By the end of the 19th century St.-Petersburg became one of the biggest world centers of Jewish life. It was there that International Jewish organizations were created, congresses of Zionists were held, famous Jewish political figures made their historic speeches. A number of St.-Petersburg Jews became world famous artists, musicians, literary figures. Many pages in history of Jewish Chassidic movement “Habad” are connected to St.-Petersburg.

It is possible to order excursions "Jewish Petersburg". The city tour will include visit to the sites related to the historic past of St.-Petersburg Jewry as well as city’s contemporary Jewish organizations:  the Synagogue - the Community Jewish Centers - Jewish Cemetery - Jewish Museum.

Duration: 3-7 hours

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