Synagogues in Ukraine. How Is Their Heritage Preserved?

In Jewish communities scattered across the world, the synagogue is a social and spiritual centre. In these beautiful buildings with large windows, one of which faces towards Jerusalem, not only are God's Commandments preached, but public matters are also decided, solemn ceremonies held and guests received. In the 'Houses of Assembly' the community's board sits and a communal court operates. Sadly, many spiritual heirs of King Solomon's First Temple were destroyed by the Holocaust. Some buildings were saved when churches of other denominations, or organisations and institutions, came to occupy their walls. Let us look, through examples, at what synagogues in Ukraine are like.

Uzhhorod. The former synagogue, 1904.

Sokal. An Impromptu Trip in the Rain to the Western Buh

Sokal is a town in the Lviv region, situated 80 km north of the regional centre. How does the Galician province, with a population of about 20,000, live?