Peitav Synagogue

The Peitav Synagogue, also known locally as Rīgas sinagoga, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Riga’s Jewish community. Nestled within the narrow streets of the Old Town, this architectural gem is the only synagogue in Riga that survived the tumultuous periods of Nazi and Soviet occupation. Today, it remains a vibrant center for the city’s Jewish community, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural and religious heritage.

The Origins of Peitav Synagogue

The story of the Peitav Synagogue begins in the late 19th century when the Jewish community of Riga’s Old Town acquired a plot of land on Peitavas Street with the vision of building a synagogue. Despite numerous challenges, including the restrictive policies of Tsarist Russia which prohibited the construction of synagogues near churches, the community persevered. With the support of wealthy Jewish merchants from Moscow, who had business interests in Riga, the construction permit was granted in March 1903.

The architectural plans were crafted by Vilhelms Neimanis, a noted architect and art historian, with contributions from the young architect Hermann Seuberlich. The construction, which began in 1904, was completed by the summer of 1905, costing a total of 150,000 roubles, a significant portion of which was donated by the industrialist Ulrich Milman. Despite initial governmental resistance, the synagogue was inaugurated in time for Rosh Hashanah in 1905, marking the beginning of its pivotal role in Riga’s Jewish life.

A Flourishing Community Hub

During the interwar period, the Peitav Synagogue became one of four choral synagogues in Riga, renowned for its choir led by the Hazzan Abram Abramis. The synagogue served diverse groups within the Jewish community, including both Hassidim and Mitnagdim. Each year during Passover, the synagogue’s matzah oven was put to use, and a mikveh and a small ritual slaughterhouse were located in the courtyard, further cementing its role as a community hub.

Surviving the Dark Periods

The Peitav Synagogue's resilience was tested during the Nazi occupation of Riga in 1941. While most synagogues in the city were set ablaze, the Peitav Synagogue was spared due to its proximity to other buildings in the Old Town. However, it was not left unscathed; the interior was ransacked, and the building was repurposed as a depot and stable. In a remarkable act of bravery, Gustavs Shaurums, a pastor from the neighboring Reformed Church, managed to hide the Torah scrolls, preserving them through the war.

Following the war, the synagogue became one of the few active synagogues in the Soviet Union and a focal point for the Jewish community in Riga. Despite the Soviet regime’s suppression of religious practices, the synagogue continued to hold services, particularly attracting Jewish youth during holidays such as Simchat Torah. The community’s determination kept the synagogue alive, even as the number of congregants dwindled in the 1960s and 1970s.

Revival and Restoration

With Latvia’s regained independence in 1991, the Peitav Synagogue saw a renaissance. The Jewish community in Riga, now the largest in the Baltic states with around 8,000 members, began to openly practice their faith once again. The synagogue, however, faced challenges, including two bomb attacks in 1995 and 1998. Despite these attacks, the synagogue was restored, with significant contributions from the Latvian government, the European Union, and numerous donors, including local Jewish families.

The extensive restoration project, which began in 2007, aimed to return the synagogue to its original splendor. The project revealed the building’s deteriorated state, necessitating major repairs, including replacing over 60% of the roof. The restoration was completed in 2009, marked by a grand reopening attended by notable figures, including the President and Prime Minister of Latvia, as well as representatives from various religious and Jewish organizations.

Architectural Marvel

The Peitav Synagogue, located at 6/8 Peitavas Street, is a striking example of Jugendstil architecture, with a blend of neoclassical elements on the façade and Egyptian-inspired interiors. The two-story stone building features a rectangular plan, with its main entrance facing a small courtyard. Visitors are greeted by a porch supported by black marble columns, leading into a vestibule adorned with green tiles and pink walls, and Egyptian-style columns.

The main prayer hall is a serene space painted in white and blue, with a grey-tiled floor. The women’s gallery, supported by Egyptian-style columns, runs asymmetrically along three sides of the hall. The wooden benches are oriented towards the Holy Ark, with additional seating at the back for studying sacred texts. A section of the vestibule wall has been intentionally left unrestored, showcasing the synagogue’s historical layers and original decorations.

A Living Heritage

Today, the Peitav Synagogue stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of resilience and continuity for Riga’s Jewish community. It continues to serve as a vibrant center for religious and cultural activities, welcoming visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and architectural beauty. Whether you are drawn by its historical significance or its architectural elegance, a visit to the Peitav Synagogue offers a deeply enriching experience, connecting past and present in the heart of Riga’s Old Town.