For visitors

On 8 July, Shelly Hugler Livne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Lithuania, visited the Telšiai Yeshiva, a branch of the Samogitian Museum "Alka".

The Ambassador was accompanied by Tomas Katkus, Mayor of Telšiai District Municipality, the Mayor’s Advisor Agnė Vaitkienė, and Monika Domarkienė, Head of the Culture and Tourism Division of Telšiai District Municipality.

The delegation was welcomed by the Museum Director Eva Stonkevičienė and Deputy Director for Museum Affairs Ingrida Vaitiekienė. During the visit, Director Eva Stonkevičienė presented the history of the Telšiai Yeshiva, highlighting its significance to the religious and cultural heritage of Litvak Jewry worldwide. The guests were also introduced to the permanent exhibition and the museum's ongoing work in preserving and promoting this unique cultural heritage.

Particular attention was devoted to the preservation of the historical legacy of the Telšiai Yeshiva and opportunities for international cooperation. Director Eva Stonkevičienė asked the Ambassador for assistance in establishing contact with Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, where part of the historical archive of the Telšiai Yeshiva is believed to have been preserved. The museum is especially interested in obtaining authentic photographs of the original interior, copies of historical documents, architectural drawings, and other archival materials that would contribute to a more comprehensive presentation of the history of one of the world's most renowned yeshivas.

During the visit, the Telšiai Yeshiva also welcomed a large Israeli delegation accompanied by distinguished rabbis. After touring the exhibition, members of the delegation emphasized the exceptional place of the Telšiai Yeshiva in the religious life of the Jewish world and in the history of Litvak Jewry, noting that its name continues to be widely recognised and highly respected throughout the international Jewish community.

Founded in 1875, the Telšiai Yeshiva was one of the most prominent Jewish religious academies in Eastern Europe, educating generations of internationally renowned rabbis and religious scholars. Following the Second World War, the traditions of the Telšiai Yeshiva were continued in the United States through the establishment of Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, where part of the historical archive and the legacy of this distinguished institution is believed to have been preserved.

Today, the Samogitian Museum "Alka" is committed to preserving the memory of the Telšiai Yeshiva, conducting historical research, and strengthening international cooperation to ensure that this outstanding Litvak heritage is thoroughly studied and presented to visitors from Lithuania and around the world.