In Search of the Jerusalem of the North

"If you want to earn money, go to Łódź, but if you want wisdom, your path leads to Vilnius" – this is what European Jews used to say before the Second World War. Back then, Vilnius was rightfully called the Jerusalem of the North, not only because of the large Jewish community that lived here, but also because of the numerous synagogues, yeshivas, authoritative rabbis, and Talmudic scholars who resided in the city. During this tour, we will travel through the lost Jewish city; you will learn when and why Jews arrived in Lithuania, what their lives, faith, holidays, jobs, hardships, and joys were like. You will see where the Great Synagogue of Vilnius stood and where the wise Gaon lived. We will also talk about the tragedy of the Holocaust – we will look into the windows of buildings emptied after the war, at the holes left by mezuzah nails in doorframes, and at the photographs of people carried by the wind through the streets, who would never return to them again.

During the tour, we will also visit the Synagogue: the only one operating in Vilnius and one of only two operating in Lithuania. There is no special dress code.

The price of the tour includes the fee for visiting the Synagogue.

Tour start: Konstantinas Sirvydas Square (also known by Vilnius residents as "French Park", by the fountain)

Tour end: at the Synagogue on Pylimo St.

Tour duration: ~ 2.5 hours.

Please do not be late and have a saved copy of your ticket on your phone. If you are late, the possibilities to join will be limited, as guides do not talk on the phone during tours.

For children under 10, the tour is free, but we ask you to assess the children's wishes and abilities to participate in the tour.

What if it rains? The tour will take place, just don't forget your umbrellas ☔ and appropriate clothing 😊