Last weekend one of the few extant wooden synagogues in Europe opened its doors to visitors following renovation work. Last December Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky signed an agreement with the Anykščiai Cultural Center: in exchange for renovation, the center will enjoy the use of the building for its activities.

Chairwoman Kukliansky commented: “There was a significant Jewish community in Kurkliai before World War II which was lost following the tragic events of the Holocaust. The reconstructed building will soon fall into ruin again if it isn’t used. We are therefore very glad the Anykščiai Cultural Center and the whole regional community stood shoulder to shoulder to outfit the building for a new life. This is yet another wonderful example of cooperation between the Lithuanian Jewish Community and municipal and regional governments as well as cultural centers.”

The synagogue building will include an exhibit about the Kurkliai Jewish community and Jewish life in the village located about midway between Anykščiai and Ukmergė just north of Vilnius.

The synagogue was once visible from far away, according to contemporary reports, and towered over the low wooden houses in the village. It also had unusual doors and stained-glass windows. The unusual shape of the windows remain, with a triangular space at the top rather than the usual arched windows found in most synagogues. Located along the small Dubelė creek, the synagogue was originally built like a log cabin with interlocking logs. It has two storeys and there is a small tower or large gable with an interior staircase above the southern portion of the synagogue, also uncharacteristic of synagogues in Lithuania.

Kurkliai wooden synagogue before restoration.