Over 100 years ago, the Vilna Shul was a center of learning
and prayer for Boston’s immigrant Jewish community in Beacon Hill and the West
End. Throughout the past year, genealogists have carefully researched and
tracked down descendants of the many members who contributed to the synagogue.
More than 170 people have been located, most of them the great-grandchildren of
founding members.
On Sunday, November 24 at 11am, the Vilna Shul will host the
first ever Descendants Day at their building located at 18 Phillips Street.
Each family will tour the now historic property and learn what life was like
for their immigrant ancestors in the early 1900s. Each family will receive
historical documents such as census records and naturalization papers, as well
as a map of the area to locate where their family lived during this time.
Today the Vilna Shul is Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture,
a community center, a host to High Holiday and monthly Shabbat services and to
a myriad of cultural events. Built in 1919, the historic Vilna Shul honors the
past, educates future generations and is dedicated to the continuum of Jewish
identity and culture in the city of Boston.
