The main spiritual home of the country's Jewish community -
Religious and cultural attractions of Almaty -
The Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan is one of the most important religious and cultural centers in Almaty. This place unites not only representatives of the Jewish community, but also all those who are interested in the history, traditions and spiritual life of the country.
It is a modern, neat and modest building in appearance, which feels calm, clean and dignified.
The synagogue has become a symbol of openness, spiritual life and interethnic harmony, reflecting the traditions of Kazakhstan as a multinational state where people of different faiths live in peace.
The history of the Jewish community and the first synagogue
The history of the Jewish community of Almaty began at the end of the 19th century, when Jews arrived in the city of Verniy (present–day Almaty) - former soldiers of the tsarist army of Nicholas I and their descendants. They were the initiators of the construction of the first synagogue, which, according to historians, appeared around 1884.
It was the first synagogue not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout Central Asia. It was a simple wooden building that became a spiritual refuge for a small but cohesive community.
In the middle of the 20th century, during the Soviet anti-religious campaign, the old synagogue was demolished under the pretext of building a Central department Store. For almost forty years after that, the Jews of Almaty did not have their own prayer house. It was only during perestroika, in the late 1980s, that the community was allowed to reopen religious centers.
At first, believers gathered in private homes, including under the leadership of Rabbi Yeshai Kogan, who became one of the spiritual leaders of Kazakh Judaism.
Creation of the Central Synagogue
The new building of the Central Synagogue began construction in 1996, and was completed in 1997, on the day that coincided with the anniversary of the death of the famous Rabbi Levi Yitzhak Schneerson, a man who devoted his life to preserving the Jewish faith and traditions in the Soviet Union.
It is a two-storey brick building, decorated in light turquoise and white tones. On its facade is written in gold letters: "Jewish Center. Menachem's house. Chabad Lubavitch". The shape and decoration of the temple are simple but expressive – there is no luxury here, only tranquility and inner dignity.
Architecture and interior decoration
The synagogue was built in accordance with the canons of Judaism. On the windows and the fence, you can see the six–pointed stars of David, an ancient symbol of the Jewish people. There is a nine–candle hanukkah in the courtyard, which is lit during the Hanukkah holiday.
There is also a small gazebo, a playground, a swing and a hut where traditional dishes are prepared during the holidays.
Inside, the synagogue is striking in its light and harmony.: high ceilings, wooden elements and calm colors create an atmosphere of peace.
In the center of the prayer hall is a Bimah, a raised platform from which the Torah is read, and behind it is Aron Hakodesh, the sacred ark where the scrolls are kept.
The synagogue has a large library with religious literature, books on Jewish history and philosophy.
Religious and cultural life
The synagogue has a large Chabad Lubavitch center, Beit Menachem, founded in 1994 with the support of philanthropist George Rohr.
There are:
– a synagogue,
– a mikva (ritual pool),
– a kosher shop and a dining room,
– meeting rooms and celebrations,
– a children's center and guest rooms.
The community is actively living and developing. The Central Synagogue regularly hosts Sabbath services, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Passover, as well as cultural and charity events.
Here you can participate in lessons of Judaism and Hasidism, seek the advice of a rabbi, purchase books, Jewish subjects and kosher products.
The synagogue is open to all Jews and guests 24/7.
The store is open from Sunday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 (on Friday – before Shabbat)
Interesting facts and atmosphere
– The Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan is the first synagogue built from scratch in modern Central Asia.
– Hundreds of rare publications are kept in the library at the center, and open-air Torah lessons are often held in the courtyard.
– There are two specialist butchers working on the territory who carry out ritual slaughter of livestock according to the laws of Kashrut.
– There is a kosher grocery store nearby where you can buy dairy and meat products, wine and traditional pastries.
– Not far from here, in the Central Cemetery of Almaty, there is the grave of Kabbalist and Rabbi Levi Yitzhak Schneerson, the father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Jews from all over the world make pilgrimages to this place.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit
The Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan is located in Almaty at 206e Rayymbek Avenue, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'46"N 76°54'01"E
Contacts: +7 727 253-01-01; +7 727 253-93-58
It is easy to get to the synagogue by car, taxi or bus. Suitable routes № 4, 7, 10, 11, 23, 40, 50, 54, 63, 72, 100, 133, 141.
For tourists, visits are possible in consultation with the administration of the center.
Official website of the synagogue
---------------------------------------------
Legend and Tradition
There is a belief that if you approach the Hanukkah in the synagogue courtyard during the holidays and mentally wish for peace, health, and light, one good wish will surely come true. It is said that the flames of the candles transmit a touch of warmth to those who come with an open heart, and the light, reflected in the windows, carries prayers to heaven.
Locals call this place "the house where silence speaks" – here even the wind seems to whisper prayers in an ancient language, a reminder of the eternity of faith and the power of goodness.
The Central Synagogue of Kazakhstan is a house of faith, traditions and community
Today, the synagogue in Almaty is not only a place of prayer, but also a living center of spiritual life, where people of all generations gather.
Children are taught here, the elderly are supported, rituals, holidays and meetings are held, filled with warmth and mutual respect.
She is a part of the history of Almaty, a symbol of tolerance and peace that unites people of different cultures.
Here, everyone can feel the very silence in which the breath of faith can be heard.
Photogallery:
