Historic Cantonists’ Shul Reveals Century-Old Treasures

Historic Cantonists’ Shul Reveals Century-Old Treasures

Built out of wood in 1907 by Jewish former child soldiers of the Russian Imperial military—known as Cantonists—Tomsk’s Soldiers’ Synagogue is likely the last shul of its kind in existence. Today, the old building is being restored with an eye towards serving as a museum of Siberian Jewry.

Century-Old ‘Siddur’ Discovered During Restoration of Historic Soldiers’ Synagogue in Tomsk

Old, sturdy timber beams line the walls of the Soldiers’ Synagogue in the western Siberian city of Tomsk, Russia, its ornate window frames topped by Stars of David carved over a century ago.