In Search of the Jerusalem of the North | A Tour of Jewish Vilnius (MIM)

"If you want to make money, go to Łódź; but if you seek wisdom, your path leads to Vilnius" – so said the Jews of Europe before the Second World War. Back then Vilnius was rightly called the Jerusalem of the North, not only because of the large Jewish community that lived here, but also because of its many synagogues, yeshivas, and the authoritative rabbis and Talmud scholars who made the city their home. On this tour we will walk through the lost Jewish city, and you will learn when and why Jews came to Lithuania, what their life, faith, festivals, work, hardships and joys were like. You will see where the Great Synagogue of Vilnius once stood and where the wise Gaon lived. We will also speak of the tragedy of the Holocaust – looking into the windows of buildings left empty after the war, at the holes from mezuzah nails still visible in the door frames, and at the photographs of people, carried through the streets by the wind, who would never return to them. During the tour we will also visit the Synagogue: the only working one in Vilnius and one of only two in operation in Lithuania. There is no special dress code. The tour price includes the admission fee for the Synagogue visit.🟩 Tour start: Konstantinas Sirvydas Square (also known to locals as the "French Park", by the fountain)🟪 Tour end: by the Synagogue on Pylimo St.⏳ Tour duration: ~ 2.5 hrs. We kindly ask you not to be late and to have a copy of your ticket saved on your phone. If you are late, your chances of joining will be limited, as the guides do not answer the phone during tours. The tour is free for children under 10, but please assess your children's wishes and ability to take part in the tour. What if it rains? The tour will go ahead – just don't forget your umbrellas ☔ and suitable clothing 😊***Please note that if your plans change, tickets cannot be exchanged and the money is non-refundable. However, you can always gift or pass your ticket on to others. 📸 Please be aware that photography/filming may take place during the tour. If you do not wish to be seen, please inform us in advance by email. If you do not, we will assume that you have no objection.📷 📹 All tour participants are also entitled to film and photograph for personal use, but this material may not be used or distributed for commercial purposes without the written consent of the tour organisers.

Adresas: Konstantino Sirvydo skveras, Vilnius, Lietuva