Historic Ulan-Ude synagogue returned to Jewish community after nearly a century

Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia in southeastern Russia, is preparing for a major Jewish revival after its historic synagogue building was transferred to the local Jewish community and is expected to return to use as a house of prayer. The synagogue, built in 1882 at 8 Sverdlov Street in the city center, had served Ulan-Ude’s Jews for decades before Soviet authorities closed it more than 95 years ago. It is now listed as a regional cultural heritage site.

During the Soviet period, the religious community was dissolved in 1929 under the regime’s anti-religious policy, and the building later housed a Jewish school, a Soviet “House of Defense,” an aviation club, and then facilities of the local technological university. The return issue resurfaced after the university gave up the property, which needed major restoration, and it was first handed to the state real estate company DOM.RF for planned sale.

A review of historical records showed the building had belonged to a Jewish religious organization, opening the way for restitution. In October 2025, ownership was formally transferred to the Orthodox religious institution known as the Jewish Community of Ulan-Ude. Local authorities say the community has already begun preparing a full preservation and reconstruction plan to restore the building’s original appearance.

Community chairman Andrey Samsonov told the local newspaper Number One that the work is expected to include removing a third floor added in Soviet times, restoring the original dome, and placing a Star of David on top, as before. Inside, the ark and prayer hall will be rebuilt according to halakhic requirements. The community hopes to begin work this year, with costs not yet fully estimated, though much of the funding is expected from private donors outside the region.

The synagogue also carries broader historical significance. Buryatia’s Jewish community began forming in the mid-19th century, when Jews arrived from central Russia. By the early 20th century, local Jews were major players in commerce, owning 16 of the city’s 35 large shops in 1908. The reopened synagogue is expected to become the first active one in the city since the 1930s and could help revive Jewish tourism around Lake Baikal.