Slonim Synagogue

The Slonim Great Synagogue, built in 1648, is an impressive structure located in the historic center of the city, in close proximity to the market and part of its defensive fortifications. It is a square brick building, built on the principle of a basilica, with a gable roof.

The interior of the synagogue is designed according to a centric nine-field scheme, typical of synagogues of the 17th-18th centuries: the ceilings are supported by nine vaulted spans. The facades of the building are two-tiered, with a symmetrical composition consisting of three axes. Lower extensions, built later, adjoin the main volume on three sides.

The structure had a defensive character: thick walls, lack of rich decor, high window openings, narrow loophole niches. Low bow-shaped loophole windows and wall thickness reaching 1.7 meters give the lower tier a special monumentality.

The main, eastern, facade is completed by a high figured pediment, decorated with decorative details: double pilasters, niches, rose windows and volutes on the sides. It faces Sovetskaya Street, and the western facade faces Shkolnaya Street. From the narrow passage from Lenin Square, the baroque pediment of the building appears in a particularly impressive perspective.

The interior of the synagogue is distinguished by a special solution, determined by the nature of religious rituals. In the center of the spacious hall is a bimah - an elevation for religious rites. Above the bimah is a canopy resting on four powerful pillars and an arcade, forming a sail-shaped arched connection with a lantern. The bimah compositionally unites the interior space and at the same time is the central support of the cross connections that cover the monolithic hall 11.8 meters high.

The heels of the arched joints rest on pilasters and panels decorated with frescoes of romantic landscapes. The grisaille technique is used in the decorative solution of the interior, giving it a special elegance and depth.

The decorative elements of the synagogue interior have a deep religious meaning. The central element of the eastern wall is the aron-kodesh - a niche where the Torah scroll is kept. Above it is a figured cartouche made in the form of two tablets supported by lions and topped with a crown. All the elements of the stucco are covered with gold leaf or painted.

On the sides of the altar cartouche are wall frescoes with Corinthian columns and entablature. Between the columns are frescoes with ritual (trumpet horns, French horn, "David's harp") and secular (guitar, cello, clarinet) musical instruments, draperies and bouquets of flowers.

The top of the altar wall is completed by a stucco canopy in the form of a crown with a star and lowered draperies.

In 1881, the synagogue was seriously damaged by fire. However, despite the lack of permission from the city authorities, the congregation collected donations and resumed the synagogue's activities.

After World War II, the synagogue building was used as a warehouse and later as a commercial space.

In 2001, the synagogue was transferred to the ownership of the Jewish Religious Association of Belarus. Restoration work began, but was soon virtually stopped.

In 2010, the building became the property of the Department of Culture of the Slonim District Executive Committee.

In early 2021, the synagogue was purchased at auction by Minsk-based children's writer and teacher Ilona Karavaeva (pseudonym Reeves Ioanna). In June 2022, when funds for restoration could not be found, the owner announced her intention to return the building to the state.