Jewish life in Klaipeda

The Jews are an integral part of the history of Central and Eastern European countries and cities. Here, in Klaipėda (in the historical Memel region), on the initiative of Rabbi Isaak Ruelf, the ideas of Zionism spread, and here David Wolfsohn, the creator of the prototype of the Israeli flag, studied. A joint German-Jewish effort in Klaipėda launched industrial amber mining, which introduced the world to 50-million-year-old Baltic amber. Before World War II, Klaipėda was also home to Dorothy Bohm, who later became a famous British photographer.

Meet your guide and walk to the ruins of the old Klaipeda castle surrounded by moats, which was built in Klaipeda in the 13th century. You will learn the history of the city and the Jewish settlement here. Then proceed to Klaipeda synagogue located near the Jewish Cemetery.  The Synagogue of Klaipeda is one of the few examples of how a small Jewish community can recover from devastating events. 

During the Soviet occupation, the whole territory of the old cemetery was wiped off the ground and in its place, the radio station was built. Remaining macevas were used as a construction material while constructing the concrete base of the radio tower. Once Lithuania regained its independence, the radio station was closed and its building was given to the Klaipėda Jewish community. Today this building serves as a synagogue and a community center. Have a look inside the synagogue and learn about the life of the local community. 

Next walk to the observation point on the city's defensive fortifications to hear the story of textile producer Tobias Israelit and his world-famous daughter, photographer Dorothy Bohm. Proceed to the town hall for an exterior view and an insight in the role of Jews in the city government. Near the Royal Gymnasium your knowledgeable guide will open the pages of the secular and cultural life of the Jewish community and invite you to one of the local restaurants for a Jewish snack. 

Continue exploring the Jewish heritage in the Old Town and enjoy some free time before leisurely walking back to the ship. 

During the tour you will learn about the life of local Jews, where they celebrated their festivals and where they studied. Julius Ludwig Vyner, Leon Scheinhaus, Isak Riulf, Nathan Nafthal and Tobias Isrelit are just names, but at the same time they are stories that go beyond Klaipėda and Lithuania.