Restoration of the historic Great Synagogue in Ludza, Latvia – dating from around 1800 and the oldest surviving synagogue in the country – is nearing completion, with work slated to be finished in early 2016 and a formal rededication planned for the second half of August.
The building, the only synagogue in Latvia to preserve an inner cupola, has been recently heat insulated and new exterior planking has been put in place. New window casements have been installed, and every day all three stoves are lit to heat the building.
Work continues on the grounds, too, where a new fence has been installed, and a new cobblestone pavement laid.
The Great Synagogue was constructed in 1800-1801, and has been remodeled several times. Initially it was a wooden building, but probably in early 20th century it was covered with bricks. Its inner cupola also was probably added around that time.
The former women’s gallery will house a permanent exhibition on the history of the Ludza Jewish community, dating back to 18th century, and the Holocaust.
The building was nationalized in 1940 by the Soviets and its restitution to the Jewish community was completed only recently. The community then decided to pass the property to the local municipality.
