Description of the attraction
The main Slonim synagogue was built in 1642 with funds from the local Jewish community. As you can see from this magnificent building and the remains of the magnificent frescoes inside, the community once flourished.
Like most of the temples of Slonim, whose original name was Uslonim, that is, a barrier, the synagogue was built as a defensive structure capable of withstanding a serious siege. Unfortunately, even the most powerful walls are unable to contain the victorious Napoleonic army. The synagogue was destroyed and plundered. The synagogue was restored only in the middle of the 19th century. At this time, the Jewish community of Slonim was the largest in Belarus. In the 19th century, the city had 21 synagogues.
The synagogue was again plundered and destroyed during the Nazi invasion. As you know, the Jews were the first enemies for the Nazis. The ancient building keeps traces of the unreasonable hatred of others. But even after the war, the synagogue was not going to be restored. The Soviet authorities also disliked Jews and adapted a comfortable roomy building for a warehouse.
Only in 2000, when the building began to collapse, was the Jewish community able to secure the transfer of the synagogue. However, the community does not have enough funds for restoration, and the state is in no hurry to allocate money for the restoration of its cultural heritage. There was only enough money for the conservation of the building. This is how the ancient building of the 17th century, built in the Baroque style, is standing, decaying, which could become the hallmark of Slonim. A spontaneous market has already formed near it, life is in full swing, but inside it is empty and echoing.
