Lithuania

The second stop on our Jewish Heritage Tour was Vilnius, Lithuania. Before WWII, Vilnius was an epicenter of Jewish culture. It's bohemian inhabitants consisted of poets, philosophers and Yiddish-speaking playwrights. With the Jewish population at over 50%, it was considered the Jerusalem of Lithuania. Of the 108 synagogues that once stood in Vilnius, only 1 remains today. Its current Jewish population stands at 3,000.

Visiting the synagogue, and talking to one of its members felt like a profoundly full circle experience. Here we were, two American Jews, coming back to Eastern Europe in search of our roots, talking to someone who is directly connected to those roots. She was extremely excited to find out about what we were doing.

The bohemian culture that once existed in Jewish Vilnius is alive in the neighborhood of Uzepis. In the spirit of revolution, the people in this neighborhood have declared themselves a Republic and written their own constitution. Some examples of the 41-point constitution are: Everyone has the right to be unique; Everyone has the right to make a mistake; Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday; Everyone has the right to cry.

Watch how you go...

Ian and Greg

Can you spot the sign for the Jewish Museum?

The only surviving synagogue in Vilnius... Our Lithuanian friend, Laurynas

First train ride in Europe...

Trakai Castle...