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In those times in Leningrad there was not such a Jewish community. We mainly supported relations with our relatives. Perhaps, they observed some traditions and holidays. But Jews were living separately, for example we lived in the very center, and others not, all Jews were spread on the territory of city and its outskirts. I don’t know if there were any kosher stores in Leningrad, I don’t think so. And I don’t remember if people gathered together to celebrate Jewish holidays.
There was a synagogue in Leningrad, on Lermontov [12] avenue [this synagogue, one of the largest ones in Europe, is still situated on the same place]. I’ve been there couple of times in the childhood. Parents didn’t actually go to the synagogue; they just didn’t have time to do that. They worked from the early morning till late evening. Where we usually went with my father on Saturday evenings. We went to banya [the place of common washing, in the URSS in most of the houses they didn’t have hot water and bathrooms]. We went to banya on Fonarny pereulok [way], which was our synagogue. Of course, I’m kidding. I mean only that those visits were the only tradition we observed.
There was a synagogue in Leningrad, on Lermontov [12] avenue [this synagogue, one of the largest ones in Europe, is still situated on the same place]. I’ve been there couple of times in the childhood. Parents didn’t actually go to the synagogue; they just didn’t have time to do that. They worked from the early morning till late evening. Where we usually went with my father on Saturday evenings. We went to banya [the place of common washing, in the URSS in most of the houses they didn’t have hot water and bathrooms]. We went to banya on Fonarny pereulok [way], which was our synagogue. Of course, I’m kidding. I mean only that those visits were the only tradition we observed.
Period
Location
Russia
Interview
David Levin