Karaim Kenesa (Kiev)
Encyclopedia
The Karaite Kenesa of Kiev is a former Kenesa
(Karaite synagogue
) in Kiev
, Ukraine
.
, was built from 1898 to 1902 in the Moorish style. The building was defiled during the World War II
by Nazis. Probably at this time it lost the dome
which was part of the original structure (see picture, right).
During the Soviet times a contemporary wing was added to the building and it was converted into the Ukrainian House of Actors, remaining as such today. Unlike most of the other synagogues in Ukraine it was not given back to the Karaite community after independence.
Kenesa
Kenesa is the term for a Karaite or Persian synagogue. The word derives from the Aramaic word for "assembly" .-Layout:...
(Karaite synagogue
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
) in Kiev
Kiev
Kiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the press....
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
.
History
The synagogue, designed by Vladislav GorodetskyVladislav Gorodetsky
Vladislav Gorodetsky or full name Leshek Vladislav Dezidery Gorodetsky was an architect and big-game hunter, best known for his Art Nouveau-style buildings, namely the House with Chimaeras, the St...
, was built from 1898 to 1902 in the Moorish style. The building was defiled during the World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
by Nazis. Probably at this time it lost the dome
Dome
A dome is a structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Dome structures made of various materials have a long architectural lineage extending into prehistory....
which was part of the original structure (see picture, right).
During the Soviet times a contemporary wing was added to the building and it was converted into the Ukrainian House of Actors, remaining as such today. Unlike most of the other synagogues in Ukraine it was not given back to the Karaite community after independence.