Join us on Sunday May 23, 2021 for a virtual walking tour of three important Jewish towns in Lithuania led by CSP’s favorite Lithuanian guide – Daniel Gurevich. Starting in Kaunas (Kovno), which was 60% Jewish at the end of the nineteenth century, we will visit the city center, Jewish Quarter, 9th Fort, Sugihara House, and many other important sights. We then take a virtual jump 50 kilometers north to Kedainiai (Keidan), one of the oldest cities in Lithuania. Situated on the banks of the Navyaza and Smilga river, Kedainia became known as a Jewish center of Talmudic study thanks to the erudition of the Rabbis of the Katsenelenbogen family. One of the most famous Jewish resident of Keidan was Elijahu ben Šlomo Zalman (1720-1797) the future expert of the Talmud, also known as the Vilna Gaon (genius). Finally, we will visit Kalvarija (2 miles SSW of Marijampolė), the smallest of the three towns but nevertheless rich in Jewish history.

There is no fee, but please RSVP for planning purposes. This event is held virtually on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. For more information, contact Program Director Ilene Tatro at itatro@cbisd.org.

CSP Partners: Beth Israel (San Diego, CA), Congregation Beth Shalom (Seattle, WA), Congregation B’nai Tzedek (Fountain Valley, CA), Congregation B’nai Israel (Tustin, CA), Jewish Collaborative of Orange County, CA, Temple Bat Yahm (Newport Beach, CA), Temple Beth El of South Orange County (Aliso Viejo, CA), Temple Beth Emet (Anaheim, CA), Temple Beth Ohr (La Mirada, CA), Temple Beth Tikvah (Fullerton, CA), Temple Beth Shalom (Needham, MA), Temple Beth Sholom (Santa Ana, CA), Temple Emanuel (Newton, MA), Town & Village Synagogue (NYC, NY), University Synagogue (Irvine, CA) & Valley Beth Shalom (Encino, CA)