The Spiritual Center
At the heart of Vilkaviškis stood the Shulhoif—the synagogue courtyard. More than a place of prayer, it was a 'city within a city,' where faith, charity, and community life converged. Dominating the skyline was the Great Synagogue, a monumental structure that witnessed centuries of history, from the swearing-in of soldiers to the quiet prayers of the daily minyan."
The Anatomy of the Shulhoif (Map & Surroundings)
19 This building housed the Vad Ha'Kilah
21 Beit Midrash Prayer House
25 The Great Synagogue
27 Smaller Synagogue
Beit Avraham Jewish Old Age Home
Explanation to the spiritual center of Vilkaviskis
19 This building housed the Vad Ha'Kilah [ The Committee in charge of running the community]
21 Beit Midrash Prayer House
The main use of this building was for Torah study. However, the lower left hand rooms where used to collect furniture
and other household goods for the needy. There was also a room where bridal dresses where stored for those families that could not provide for them. There was also an additional room that housed the "Small Fund" for those who needed a small interest free loan.
25 The Great Synagogue
This was used for the High Holidays and other special events.
27 Smaller Synagogue
This was the synagogue that was used by the community for its daily needs. In front of the synagogue was a tiled Star of David.
This is where the weddings were held.
A Journey Through Time
A wood cut of the Great Synagogue from the 18th century.
Children in front of the Synagogue in 1915
The Great Synagogue in the 1930's
Life Inside the Walls
The Jewish leaders of the community
The Jewish Cemeteries of Vilkaviskis prior to 1941
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The "OLD" Jewish Cemetery was situated close to the river but due to flooding it was moved around 1875 as you will see already in the 1930's almost nothing remained. The "NEW" cemetery is situated in Kapu Street.
All that remained of the "Old" Jewish Cemetery picture from the 1930's.
The "New" Jewish Cemetery 1915
