Archaeologists Fully Uncover Central Bimah of Vilna’s Great Synagogue After 70 Years

Archaeological excavations at the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Lithuania have fully revealed the central bimah of the historic building for the first time in about 70 years. The synagogue, associated with the Vilna Gaon, was destroyed by the Nazis and later by Soviet authorities around seven decades ago. The recent excavations, ongoing since 2011 as a joint project between a Lithuanian excavation company and the Israel Antiquities Authority, uncovered significant parts of the prayer hall, the women’s gallery, colorful terrazzo floors with floral and geometric patterns, and dozens of seat plaques bearing the names of worshippers and the Ten Commandments.

The removal of an old school building that had covered the synagogue allowed archaeologists to expose extensive and continuous sections of the structure’s core. According to excavation directors Dr. Yohanan (John) Zeligman from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Justinas Rakas from the Lithuanian excavation company, the findings provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of the community that prayed there for centuries. Among the notable discoveries were plaques marking fixed seats for worshippers, including women’s names in the women’s gallery and seats reserved for members of a major charity society involved in managing Vilna’s Jewish community.

One prominent plaque bore the inscription of "Gitl Kletsk, wife of the late Yehezkel, Shamash D’mata" (city sexton), indicating the involvement of the wealthy Kletsk family, who owned businesses near the synagogue. Another important find was a small metal plaque engraved with the Ten Commandments, underscoring the synagogue’s religious and communal significance.

The Great Synagogue of Vilna, built in the 17th century in Renaissance-Baroque style, was located in the Shulhof area, a major Jewish spiritual and communal center that included 12 synagogues and study halls, ritual baths, a community council building, kosher meat stalls, and a renowned library called Strashun. Vilna, known as the "Jerusalem of Lithuania," was a vital Jewish spiritual hub where the Vilna Gaon and many other scholars lived and taught. Before World War I, Vilna’s Jewish population exceeded 100,000, with vibrant cultural and religious life.

The excavations are funded by the Goodwill Foundation and conducted in cooperation with the Lithuanian Jewish community, aiming to preserve and present the synagogue’s remains for both the local Jewish community and the public. This season marks the sixth year of excavation, which began with ground-penetrating radar surveys and has since led to significant discoveries.