Description of the attraction
By the end of the 1990s, the need arose for the construction of a new synagogue building. It was planned to build an entire center for the provision of services to the Jewish population - not only a place for prayer, but also a mikvah, a kosher restaurant, a cultural center and a museum. The first real step towards the implementation of the plan for the construction of the synagogue was a meeting held in the office of V. Liebman on July 2, 2004. At this meeting, it was stated that the existing synagogue building does not meet the needs, and there is a need for a new building, more functional and larger than the existing one.
Previously, it was decided to expand and reconstruct the old building, but this idea had to be abandoned. The allocated and donated funds were decided to invest in the construction of the New Synagogue. In the second half of 2004, a competition was held to select a design company, in which Kyresaar & Kotov (KOKO) won. The architects were faced with a difficult task, it was necessary to create an interesting, remarkable and multifunctional building that would take into account the specifics of Estonian Jewry.
After the approval of the New Synagogue project and the estimated cost, a new competition was held to select a developer. On June 1, 2005, the Kolle construction company was approved by the decision of the Board of the Foundation and the Board of UROE.
The result of all the work was a new synagogue building, one of the most extraordinary sacral buildings in Tallinn. In this building, modern design and the traditions of synagogue architecture are intertwined. All areas of the synagogue are filled with light, thanks to the large glass wall spaces and skylights.
Upon entering the synagogue, you will find yourself in the foyer, which is also a lecture hall. Part of the staircase leading to the second floor to the main hall is made in the form of benches, which can accommodate up to 70 people. The wall located to the right of the entrance can be transformed into a screen for showing films or what is happening in the hall.
On the second floor, in front of the entrance to the main hall, there are plaques with the names of people who have made donations for the construction of the New Synagogue. On the opposite side of the entrance there is a glass wall, and in front of it on a pedestal is the most valuable thing in every community - a cabinet where the Torah Scrolls are kept - Aron Kodesh. Nearby is a stone from Jerusalem brought here by the President of Israel. The worshipers are seated in the hall on benches that can accommodate 105 people. The hall has excellent acoustics. Therefore, concerts, performances of artists can also be held here.
Also on the second floor there are offices, including the offices of the rabbi and the chairman of the community. On the third floor there is a balcony on which women are present during services. It can accommodate 78 people. In addition, on the third floor there is a permanent museum exposition and there is a place for organizing temporary exhibitions.
On the ground floor there is a kiosk selling religious supplies and literature, as well as a kosher restaurant with 100 seats.
The New Synagogue in Tallinn houses the only mikvah in Estonia. The entrance to it is located at the back of the building. There is a shower, dressing room, bath, as well as the ritual pool itself.
Tallinn New Synagogue, built at the corner of Karu and Aedvilja Streets, completes the ensemble of the Jewish Center, which, in addition to the synagogue itself, consists of the buildings of the Community Center and the Tallinn Jewish School.
