A major fire broke out in the Shul in Grodno, Belarus, and completely destroyed the rooms which were in use in the historic building, the chapel and the kitchen, as well as the contents, furniture, books, and equipment.The Shul in Grodno was founded more than 400 years ago by Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Baal HaLevushim. the ancient building, is one of the most beautiful historic synagogues in Europe, and the oldest synagogue in the CIS (Former Soviet Union) which is active today
The fire was caused by an accumulation of soot in the building’s outdated chimney, which caught fire and inflamed the ancient building, the facade of which was only recently renovated.
Besides the great financial damage, these are the rooms which have served for all activities in the past years, the community is left homeless and the local Jews are in shock.
A special website was put up with pictures and information about the fire, and one can donate by credit card paypel or chack:
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2 Responses
This is very sad. So the chimney was not cleaned out and there was a fire.
this is a sad story and rabbi kofman should get your support – he has ours. BUT this story happened SIX weeks ago- why are you presenting it as NEWs story today???? even your pix show the date on them.