Telšių ješiva
Branch of the Žemaičių muziejus “Alka” in the historic Telšiai Jewish higher school, telling the story of the yeshiva and of the Jews of Telšiai.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Telšiai yeshiva was founded in 1875; its fame is linked to Rabbi Eliezer Gordon. Having become its head in 1884, he was the first in Lithuania to introduce modern teaching methods: students took entrance examinations and were divided into groups according to their level of knowledge, and throughout the semester each group studied the same fragment of the Talmud. The Telšiai yeshiva was famous alongside the Kaunas and Panevėžys yeshivas; Jews from all over the world came to study there.
During the Second World War the yeshiva was re-established in the United States, in Cleveland, where it operates to this day.
Today a branch of the Žemaičių muziejus “Alka” operates in the historic building. The recollections of Telšiai's Jews who survived the Holocaust tell the story of the yeshiva and of the town's Jews, and the exhibition shows the sparse surviving Judaica heritage: household objects, religious objects and documents. There is also a Torah room (Toros kambarys).
Highlights
- Historic building of the Telšiai yeshiva
- History of the Telšiai Jews and the yeshiva through survivors' recollections
- Judaica heritage: household objects, religious objects, documents
- Torah room
- Educational sessions and tours in Lithuanian, English and Russian
Permanent exhibitions
- Telšių ješivos ir Telšių žydų istorija – A narrative about the yeshiva and the Jewish community of the town, based on the recollections of Telšiai Jews who survived; Judaica exhibits.
- Toros kambarys – A separate space on the theme of the Torah.
- Operated by
- Žemaičių muziejus „Alka“
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2students, pupils, pensioners and others under the order of the Minister of Culture |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Admission to the exhibitions and displays is free for people with disabilities and one accompanying person. |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Visit to the Torah room | €2 |
| Educational session (per person, group of 10 to 25 people) | €6 |
Excursions are booked in advance in Lithuanian, English and Russian (groups of up to 25 people).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kids
Educational sessions are offered for groups.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours and educational sessions must be booked in advance: +370 600 60 521 or +370 614 15 868. |