01/08/2024
On May 30, 1928, an exchange of Aron HaKodesh ("kivots") took place between the Belarusian State Museum and the Jewish community of shtetl Uzlyany of Minsk region. During the exchange the museum received an ancient Aron HaKodesh of the mid-18th century from the synagogue of Uzlyany, which was made by a famous wood carver Dov-Ber son of Israel. Jewish community of Uzlyany received Aron HaKodesh from Minsk Choral synagogue, which was closed in 1923 by communist regime. The deal was signed on behalf of the Jewish community of shtetl Uzlyany by Yosel son of Berka Relis, and Aron son of Shevel Feldman. Only doors of ancient Aron HaKodesh, which was originally from Uzlyany synagogue, have survived to this day, and now it stored in the Belarusian Historical Museum in Minsk. Synagogue in shtetl Uzlyany burned down during WWII, building of the Choral Synagogue in Minsk is used as a Russian drama theater today.