After decades of neglect, the 170-year-old Great Synagogue of Miskolc, Hungary’s third-largest city, opened its doors once again for a moving selichos gathering that drew 250 residents, community members, and city officials.

For many years, the grand structure—one of Hungary’s most historic synagogues—stood in a state of disrepair, posing a danger to visitors. Fifteen years ago, it was forced to close its doors altogether due to the dwindling size of the local Jewish community. This week’s event marked its first reopening following a significant investment in its restoration.

A special choir of chazzonim, under the direction of chazzan Yechezkel (Chezki) Zorger, led heartfelt selichos, filling the ancient sanctuary with stirring melodies. Among the distinguished guests was the newly elected mayor, Mr. József Tóth-Szántai, who honored the occasion with his presence.

Mr. Miklós Deutsch, president of the local Jewish community, shared that renovations will continue over the next two years to enable the synagogue’s full reopening on a permanent basis.

Rabbi Avraham Braun, the Rebbe’s shliach and chief rabbi of Miskolc, reflected on the city’s recent revival of Jewish life. “In the past year alone,” he said, “Miskolc has merited three historic milestones: the dedication of a new mikvah, the opening of the permanent Chabad House building, and now the rededication of this magnificent and historic synagogue.”

Hungary shliach and rabbi of the EMIH, Rabbi Shlomo Köves, extended his gratitude to the members of the Kazinczy Street Synagogue Foundation and to the ‘Adopt a Jewish Heritage City’ initiative, supported by CAM and AEPJ, for their partnership in bringing this project to life.

Once again, the Great Synagogue of Miskolc stands as a proud beacon of Jewish continuity—its ancient walls echoing once more with the sounds of tefilah.