Extensive renovation works are under way at the synagogue in Bryansk, in southwest Russia. The Jewish community raised more than $100,000 for the work, which will create a religious, community, and educational center, through a crowd-funding campaign.
The Federation of Jewish Communities in the CIS writes that the repair work will “renovate and expand” the building, which was constructed in 1905 and nationalized by the Soviet regime in 1929.
Only in 2010 was the synagogue returned back to the community by the city administration and its status re-instated. But the building was extremely run down with a need for massive renovations. “The dream is to have the synagogue become a center of community life – to be not just a place for prayer but also a place that will address all the other needs of the community,’ said chief Rabbi of Bryansk Menachem Zaklas. “That includes a club for children & youth activities, a charity center, guest accommodations and a school and kindergarten,” he said.