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Historic Renovation Momentum at the Ancient “Ner Tamid” Shul in the Crimean Peninsula

After decades of disconnection, the restoration project of the historic synagogue in Simferopol is underway / The works are carried out under rabbinical supervision and include an exact reconstruction of the original 5655 (1895) structure / The grand inauguration is planned for the month of Adar 5787, with the participation of public figures • Read More, Photos

Decades of silent prayer and tense anticipation are currently culminating in an exciting, historic moment in the streets of the Old City of Simferopol in the Crimean Peninsula. The ancient “Ner Tamid” synagogue, which stood in spiritual desolation for over six decades, is now undergoing a process of rigorous restoration and reconstruction. The voices rising from within the stone walls are no longer the voices of strangers, as they were during the dark years, but the voices of builders and architects working vigorously to restore the former glory of the Jewish community and renew the face of the magnificent structure, exactly as it looked on the day of its inauguration in 5655 (1895).

The driving force behind the momentum of activity and Jewish life at the site is the acting Chief Rabbi of Simferopol, Rabbi Aviel Zev Kolpakov. According to him, the name “Ner Tamid” (Eternal Light) is not merely a historical description, but a symbol of the victory of the Jewish spirit that never extinguishes, even in the face of history’s stormy winds. This impressive development is taking place as part of the inspiring revolution of Teshuvah and Judaism throughout Russia, led with a high hand by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berl Lazar shlit”a, who guides the Shluchim and the rabbis of the cities and districts to illuminate every corner and rebuild both the spiritual and material ruins.

The history of this unique structure is fraught with hardships that tell the story of the entire region’s Jewry. Upon its opening at the end of the nineteenth century, the building, designed in a modern style for its time, boasted an impressive facade and distinct Jewish symbols of the Luchos and the Magen David, which were later uprooted from their place by malicious hands.

In the 1920s, with the implementation of the decrees of persecution, holy objects were brutally confiscated, including Torah crowns, silver Torah pointers, and holy ark curtains. In 5690 (1930), its doors were officially closed by the Communist regime. Testimonies from those dark days indicate its conversion into a club and various offices, involving the desecration of the holy and the trampling of the local Jews’ dignity—including the holy martyrs, may God avenge their blood, who perished during the years of World War II, when the city experienced the horrors of occupation and suffered heavy casualties.

Only by the grace of Heaven was the structure returned to the Jewish community in 5755 (1995), and it is now enjoying a renewed vitality as part of a heritage site restoration program.

Behind the scenes, strenuous and complex work is being conducted under the management of the community president, Aharon (Arkady) Tsirulnikov, and the vice-chairman of the community, Mr. Anatoly Gendin, who are orchestrating the complicated logistical task of transporting building materials despite the many challenges.

The interior of the building has been completely dismantled, and all that remains are the sturdy stone walls. In recent days, impressive pillars, the women’s gallery balconies, and new staircase systems have already been installed. The efforts of the communal activists and builders ensure that every architectural detail will be accurately restored, out of reverence for the magnificent heritage of the past and with the full support of the government.

As the work progresses and approaches the target set for the months of Adar-Nisan 5787, community members are filled with anticipation and swelling excitement. The anticipation toward the inauguration, during which the historic structure will once again become a lighthouse of Torah and prayer, encourages many good resolutions to strengthen the observance of Mitzvot and Torah study. On the day the doors reopen and proudly declare the victory of light, past, present, and future will unite into a single golden chain that will continue into the true and complete Redemption.

Photos: Community Spokesperson