Vilna Shul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vilna Shul |
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|---|---|
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | none |
| Status | Cultural Center, Museum, Community Center |
| Location | |
| Location | 18 Phillips Street Boston, Massachusetts |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Max Kalman |
| Architectural type | Synagogue |
| Completed | 1919 |
| Direction of façade | north |
| Website | |
| www.vilnashul.org | |
The Vilna Shul is a special historic building in Boston, Massachusetts. It used to be a synagogue, which is a Jewish house of worship. It was built in 1919 by Jewish immigrants, mostly from a city called Vilnius in Lithuania. Today, it's a cultural center, a community center, and a living museum.
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What is the Vilna Shul?
The Vilna Shul is located on the north side of Beacon Hill, Boston. This area was once home to many immigrant communities. In the early 1900s, dozens of synagogues were built here. Over 50 synagogues existed across Boston.
By the 1980s, most Jewish families had moved away from the neighborhood. The Vilna Shul building was almost empty. People then debated what to do with it. Should it be sold? Should it become a community center for everyone? Or should it be saved as a museum to remember the Jewish immigrants?
A Home for Immigrants
The Vilna Shul was designed by an architect named Max Kalman. It is not famous for its unique design. Instead, it is important because it shows the history of the immigrants who built it. Stanley Smith, from Historic Boston Inc., said it represents the people who created it.
The American Jewish Historical Society notes that no major events happened at this synagogue. It was one of many smaller synagogues built by Jewish immigrants. However, the Vilna Shul is the last original immigrant synagogue still standing in downtown Boston from that time.
This makes it the oldest Jewish building in Boston that has always been used for Jewish faith and culture. It is also one of only two free-standing buildings on the north side of Beacon Hill. The Vilna Shul is a colorful and important part of Boston's history.
Saving the Vilna Shul
A group called the Vilna Center for Jewish Heritage was started. Their goal was to raise money to save and fix the synagogue. They wanted to turn it into a Jewish cultural center. This group is now known as The Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture, Inc.
About three million dollars were spent to restore the building. Now, the synagogue has a small exhibit. This exhibit tells the story of the synagogue and Boston's Jewish community.
What Happens There Now?
The Vilna Shul is open on certain weekdays and weekends. It is a popular stop for tourists visiting Beacon Hill and Boston. Besides being a historic and cultural site, it is also a community center.
It hosts Jewish religious services for major holidays. It also has special events for young families on Shabbats (the Jewish day of rest). It is also the home of Havurah on the Hill, a community group.
