Kele-Numaz Synagogue: A History of the Mountain Jewish Community in Derbent
The city of Derbent has long been a crossroads of diverse cultures and faiths. In the 19th century, the city's layout reflected its multicultural fabric: the upper region near the Naryn-Kala citadel was primarily inhabited by Muslims, the lower coastal areas by Armenians and Russians, and the central flatlands by the Mountain Jews.
Central to the spiritual life of this community was the Kele-Numaz synagogue, a landmark that evolved alongside the growing needs of the local Jewish population.
The Origins and Construction of Kele-Numaz
During the era of the Derbent Khanate, the community utilized the Midrash Eliyahu synagogue on 2nd Komendantskaya Street. However, as the congregation grew, this space became insufficient. In February 1904, the Mountain Jewish community formally petitioned city authorities for land to build a larger house of worship.
The authorities granted 300 square meters of land at the intersection of Golitsyn Street (now Buynaksk Street) and Kolodezny Lane (now Chapayev Lane). The Kele-Numaz synagogue officially opened its doors in 1914. At the dawn of the Soviet era, it was one of 11 synagogues operating within the city.
Modern Restoration and the Jewish Community Center
To preserve its legacy and expand its utility, the synagogue underwent a significant transformation in 2009. The original structure was dismantled and reconstructed using a combination of original stones and new materials. This project resulted in the creation of the Jewish Community Center, a facility spanning 2,500 square meters.
The center serves as more than just a place of prayer; it integrates several vital community services, including:
- A mikveh (a ritual bath used for purification)
- The Municipal Kindergarten
- The Museum of Mountain Jews
The entrance of the center features a Hebrew inscription: "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." The facility was officially reopened on March 22, 2010, in a ceremony attended by Rabbi Berel Lazar and the President of Dagestan, Magomedsalam Magomedov.
Recent Events and Future Outlook
The community faced a devastating blow on June 23, 2024, when the synagogue was targeted in a terrorist attack and burned to the ground. Despite this tragedy, the congregation has remained resilient, reporting plans to rebuild the synagogue in the days following the attack.
Key Facts
- Opening Year: 1914
- Supervision: Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FJCR)
- Total Area (Post-2009): 2,500 square meters
- Location: Intersection of Buynaksk Street and Chapayev Lane, Derbent
- Key Facilities: Synagogue, Museum of Mountain Jews, Municipal Kindergarten, and mikveh
| Period/Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1904 Petition | Request for land due to growth of Midrash Eliyahu congregation |
| 1914 | Official opening of Kele-Numaz synagogue |
| 2009-2010 | Reconstruction into the 2,500 m² Jewish Community Center |
| June 23, 2024 | Destruction by terrorist attack; plans for rebuilding initiated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages the Kele-Numaz synagogue?
The synagogue is under the supervision of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FJCR).
What is a mikveh, and is there one at the center?
A mikveh is a ritual bath used for spiritual purification. Yes, the Jewish Community Center includes a mikveh as part of its facilities.
Why was the Kele-Numaz synagogue originally built?
It was built because the previous synagogue, Midrash Eliyahu, could no longer accommodate the increasing number of congregants in the Mountain Jewish community.
What happened to the synagogue in 2024?
On June 23, 2024, the synagogue was burned to the ground during a terrorist attack, though the community intends to rebuild it.
What other facilities are located within the Jewish Community Center?
In addition to the synagogue, the center houses the Museum of Mountain Jews and a Municipal Kindergarten.