A new museum exhibition titled the Jewish Spiritual Center of Belarus has opened at the historic Bobruisk Synagogue in the Mogilev Region, offering visitors a meaningful introduction to centuries of Jewish history, faith, and communal life in Belarus.
Located on the synagogue’s second floor, the new space presents the spiritual heritage and traditions of Judaism through ancient books, ritual items, rabbinic and traditional garments, holiday displays, archival materials, and educational exhibits. Together with the synagogue and the adjacent Jewish Yard, the museum forms part of a growing cultural and spiritual complex that welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.
The Bobruisk Synagogue, today led by the city’s Chief Rabbi Shaul Hababo, has become one of the most active symbols of Jewish revival in Belarus. Once known for its many synagogues and deep Jewish roots, Bobruisk remains closely connected to the memory and identity of Jewish life in the region. The restored synagogue now serves not only as a place of prayer and Torah study, but also as a center for education, community gatherings, social assistance, cultural encounters, and interfaith understanding.
The newly opened museum introduces visitors to approximately 600 years of Jewish life in Belarus, from the earliest chapters of Jewish settlement to the communities that continue to preserve their heritage today. Its collection includes books more than a century old, traditional clothing, ritual objects, and exhibits dedicated to Jewish holidays, including Sukkot and Passover. According to local community representatives, the synagogue welcomes approximately 150–200 people on a regular basis, with up to 400 gathering during major holidays.
Next to the synagogue, the Jewish Yard has become another beloved destination for residents, guests, and tourists. Opened in 2019, the courtyard includes a miniature Western Wall, paths, flowerbeds, gazebos, and artistic displays reflecting scenes of Jewish tradition and memory. The space has become a quiet place of reflection and connection, linking the restored walls of the old synagogue with the renewed life of the community today.
“The spiritual center is a place not only for religious education but also for cultural encounters and social projects,” Rabbi Shaul Hababo said. “Every religion has a wealth of knowledge. And we have the opportunity in Bobruisk to organize communication between representatives of different faiths.”









