Choral Synagogue

Construction of a synagogue was banned inside Kitay Gorod, so Moscow’s oldest and most prominent synagogue was built just outside the city walls, not far from the Jewish settlement of Zaryadye. Construction started in 1881 but dragged on due to roadblocks by the anti-Semitic tsarist government. It was completed in 1906 and was the only synagogue that continued to operate throughout the Soviet period, in spite of Bolshevik demands to convert it into a workers’ club. Apparently, Golda Meir shocked the authorities when she paid an unexpected visit here in 1948. These days the exquisite interior has been completely restored and is open for visitors. The building hosts the International Jewish Social Club (2-5pm Sun).