Grodno on fire: the ancient synagogue was burned • view

Fire broke out at the ancient synagogue in Grodno in Belarus, and consumed the contents of the prayer hall which was used for the last few years, including the furniture and the ark and kitchen used for cooking Shabbat and holiday meals which includes all equipment.

This is one of the oldest synagogues in the CIS in particular and Europe in general. The synagogue was founded by Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, and returned to the Jewish community and infrastructure in place without heating. With the FJC CIS and under direction of Rabbi of Russia, Hgr"b Lazar, Chabad emissary and rabbi of Grodno, Rav Yitzchak Kofman, began inspiring building Jewish life again.

The renovation of the place was undertaken by the Rohr family from the United States, as recently a local contributor named Zohvicki also began to invest in renovating the building. And it was recently completed to restore the glorious front façade.

The fire broke out probably due to the accumulation of soot in the chimney which passes through the wall of the building, causing flare and fires.
Estimated damages in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars and the Jewish community are beside with themselves.

Rabbi Yitzchak Kofman said with sorrow: "Beyond the enormous financial damage, the rooms which were renovated and served us in recent years have been damaged in a way that cannot be used, we are left homeless, we will transfer the prayers and activities to a temporary place."

You can contribute to building renovation using this link:
http://fjc.ru/donate/?city=grodno

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!