The first Jewish residents of Tukums were recorded in 1719. Their properties were situated mainly around the former Market Square (now Brīvības Square), as well as on Elizabetes and Uguns streets. The first synagogue in the town plan appeared in 1802. Its location was next to today’s building (Brīvības Square 8), which may have been built in mid-19th century. The Jewish congregation and synagogue were active only until World War II.
The Rabbi’s house was next to the synagogue and opposite the daily prayer house (8 Elizabetes Street). The Rabbi’s house was built here in late 19th century (according to some sources, in 1906). Up until World War I, this was the house of Rabbi Uri Hirsch Liechtenstein, who, as the German army approached, together with other Jewish residents, was deported to Russia in the spring of 1915. The abandoned building was demolished during the war years. After the war, Rabbi Uri Hirsch Liechtenstein’s son Levi served as a Rabbi, and in July 1941, he, together with other Jewish residents of the town, was executed in the forest of Valgums.
During the Soviet times, the building hosted the sewing facilities of the factory of textile and leather goods “Lenta”. In 2001, it was moved to different premises, but the building was purchased by Parex Bank, which dismantled it in 2003 and then rebuilt it. Now, it houses the Tukums branch of the Citadele Bank.
Contact informationBrīvības Sq. 9, Tukums | |
