JTA - 12.28.2004

Synagogue going up in Estonia

(JTA) -- The Jewish community of Estonia began construction of the first synagogue built in its capital since the 19th century. The new, 200-seat shul in Tallinn will be constructed with funds donated by the U.S.-based Rohr Family Foundation and other local and international donors. The shul will be the first permanent Jewish house of worship constructed in the Baltic city since 1882. Tallinn's historic synagogue was destroyed in a Nazi bombing during the German invasion of Estonia in World War II. Estonia today is home to an estimated 3,000 Jews.