Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were 4 synagogues and about 20 prayer houses in Brest. Almost half, and according to some sources up to 70%, of the city's inhabitants were Jews. After the Soviet purges and the bloody war, the numbers became completely different. Let's see what has been preserved from the former Jewish heritage in the city. The Choral Synagogue in the center was rebuilt into a cinema "Belarus". The building of the “Green” synagogue at 25 Dzerzhinsky Street was demolished. The building where it was synagogue “Egdesh”, Soviet Border Guards street, 52.
If you look at the modern building, it is almost impossible to recognize it as a synagogue. Nothing has survived from the former decor, perhaps only the cornice and planning solutions. The sign “Historical Heritage” suggests that we really have a synagogue in front of us.
The synagogue was built here in the period from 1884 to 1896. After the outbreak of the war in 39, a shelter for Polish refugees was located within the walls of the Jewish temple. After the end of the Second World War, they opened here club "Progress", whose sign hung here until 2019.
The letters on the old sign are still legible. In their place were placed old photographs of the synagogue, taken in the first half of the 20th century, as well as images of restoration options.
The Jewish community of Brest bought this building for almost $300 and plans to restore its pre-war appearance. While these works are only in the plans.
The former synagogue "Egdesh" is located next to Cathedral of Saint Simeon.
It will still be interesting to see the building in Brest former church и Nicholas Church.
