Israeli-Led Dig Reveals Vilna Synagogue's Main Prayer Hall

An Israeli-Lithuanian team has uncovered extensive sections of the Great Synagogue of Vilna's main prayer hall after a Soviet-era school above the site was demolished. The monthlong excavation exposed the central bimah, colorful terrazzo floors, remains of the women's gallery, seat plaques bearing worshipers' names, and a Ten Commandments plaque. The 17th-century synagogue was the spiritual center of Lithuanian Jewry before the Nazis ransacked it and Soviet authorities demolished its remains. Archaeologists say the finds will help preserve the site as a heritage and memorial space.