Archaeologists Fully Uncover Central Bimah of Vilna Great Synagogue in Lithuania

Recent archaeological excavations at the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Lithuania have fully uncovered the synagogue's central bimah, along with parts of the prayer hall, women's section, colorful floors, seating plaques, and a tablet of the Ten Commandments. The synagogue, historically linked to the Vilna Gaon, was destroyed by Nazi and later Soviet authorities about 70 years ago. The ongoing research and excavation project, now in its sixth season since 2011, is conducted by the Lithuanian excavation company and the Antiquities Authority, funded by the Goodwill Foundation and in cooperation with the Lithuanian Jewish community.

Dr. John Zeligman of the Antiquities Authority and Justinas Rakas of the excavation company explained that removing an old school building that covered the historic synagogue allowed them to reveal extensive, continuous sections of the main prayer hall. The hall features terrazzo floors decorated with floral and geometric patterns, name plaques marking fixed seats of worshippers, and other artifacts that provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of the community that prayed there for centuries.

Among the plaques, some bear names of women from the women's section, others of men, and some mark seats reserved for members of a major charity society involved in managing the Jewish community of Vilna. One notable plaque commemorates a seat donated by Gitl Kletsk, wife of the late Yehezkel, the city’s shamash (sexton). The Kletsk family was affluent and influential, owning businesses near the synagogue, with Yehezkel serving in a public community role. Additionally, a small metal plaque engraved with the Ten Commandments was found, further attesting to the religious and communal life centered around the synagogue over the years.