Archaeologists Fully Uncover Central Bimah of Vilna's Great Synagogue in Lithuania

Recent archaeological excavations at the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Lithuania have fully revealed the synagogue's central bimah, a significant discovery in the historic site associated with the Vilna Gaon. The synagogue, destroyed by Nazi and later Soviet authorities about 70 years ago, has been the focus of ongoing research and excavation since 2011, led by the Lithuanian excavation company and the Antiquities Authority, funded by the Goodwill Foundation and in cooperation with the Lithuanian Jewish community.

The latest excavation season uncovered extensive parts of the prayer hall and women's gallery, colorful terrazzo floors decorated with floral and geometric patterns, and numerous seat plaques bearing the names of worshippers and the Ten Commandments. These findings provide a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of the community members who prayed there over centuries.

Among the notable discoveries were many plaques marking fixed seats, some inscribed with women's names from the women's gallery, others with men's names, and some indicating seats donated by members of a major charity society involved in managing the Jewish community of Vilna. One prominent plaque commemorated a seat donated by Gitl Kletsk, wife of the late Yehezkel, the city's shamash (sexton), highlighting the family's prominent role in local business and communal affairs.

The excavation also revealed a small metal plaque engraved with the Ten Commandments, underscoring the religious life centered in the synagogue. The removal of an old school building that had covered the historic synagogue allowed for these new discoveries, enriching understanding of the synagogue's architecture and the vibrant Jewish community that thrived there for hundreds of years.

The ongoing project aims to preserve and present the synagogue's remains for the benefit of Lithuania's Jewish community and the general public, continuing to shed light on this vital cultural and religious heritage site.