The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Vilnius

Vilnius, nicknamed the 'Jerusalem of Lithuania' for its tradition of Talmudic scholarship, was for centuries one of the world's most important centers of Torah study. Today, Chabad of Lithuania and the Choral Synagogue - the sole survivor of more than 100 synagogues that once operated in the city before World War II - keep the embers of Jewish life burning. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.

Chabad of Lithuania — a kosher soup kitchen since 1995

Chabad of Lithuania, led by Rabbi Sholom Ber Krinsky, runs Lithuania's only kosher soup kitchen - around 150 hot meals a day. Practical tip: there's currently no fixed kosher restaurant in the city, so it's worth contacting the Chabad house a few days before arriving to arrange meals.

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The Choral Synagogue — the sole survivor

The Choral Synagogue, the only synagogue still active in Vilnius out of more than 100 that once operated in the city before the war, was built in 1903 in an eclectic Romanesque-Moorish style. Practical tip: a visit requires advance security coordination - contact Chabad of Lithuania a few days before arriving.

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Gediminas Tower — best by funicular

Gediminas Tower, a remnant of Vilnius Castle from the 14th century, stands on a hill above the Old Town. Practical tip: take the steep funicular up rather than walking - the panoramic view from the summit is worth it in any weather.

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The Town Hall — the heart of the Old Town

The 18th-century neoclassical Town Hall stands at the heart of the Old Town, a short walk from the Choral Synagogue. Practical tip: the surrounding square hosts holiday markets and street events throughout the year - worth checking the calendar before your visit.

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Between Chabad of Lithuania and its soup kitchen, the Choral Synagogue, Gediminas Tower, and the Town Hall, Vilnius offers a moving encounter with the grand Jewish past of the 'Jerusalem of Lithuania'.