For visitors

From March 11 to 14, an official delegation from the Telšiai district visited Israel at the invitation of Chief Rabbi Sholem Ber Sorotzkin of the Gedolah Ateres Shlomo Yeshiva Network.

The visit aimed to strengthen historical ties with the Jewish community, gain a deeper understanding of yeshiva education, and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

The delegation included Director of the Samogitian Museum “Alka” Eva Stonkevičienė; members of the Telšiai District Municipal Council—Remigijus Macas, Chair of the Health and Social Affairs Committee, and Tomas Lekavičius, Vice-Chair of the Education, Culture and Sports Committee; as well as Head of the Museum’s Cultural Activities and Communication Department Jurgita Armalienė.

During the visit, the delegation met with Laimis Rubinskas, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Lithuania in Israel. Discussions focused on the preservation and dissemination of Jewish cultural heritage.

Director Eva Stonkevičienė presented a successful initiative implemented by the museum—an Orthodox Jewish Torah study camp. The programme offers young participants from various countries the opportunity to experience the historical spirit of the Telšiai Yeshiva, deepen their Torah studies, and explore the cultural heritage of Samogitia.

A key moment of the visit was the delegation’s visit to the Gedolah Ateres Shlomo Yeshiva, where participants gained first-hand insight into the activities of the yeshiva network, its campus infrastructure, and teaching methods that continue the traditions of the historic Telšiai Yeshiva.

It became evident that the legacy of the Telšiai Yeshiva remains alive today. The interiors feature artworks depicting yeshiva life, while valuable relics have been preserved, including brick fragments, historical photographs, documents, and even original doors from the historic Telšiai Yeshiva building in Lithuania.

During the meeting with Rabbi Sholem Ber Sorotzkin, discussions also addressed the social integration of Jewish students returning from abroad, as well as ongoing and future initiatives aimed at strengthening historical, cultural, and religious ties between Telšiai and Jewish communities in Israel.

There are plans to continue organizing Torah study camps in Telšiai, establishing them as a long-term tradition that promotes not only religious dialogue but also cultural tourism and economic cooperation between Lithuania and Israel.

The visit highlighted that the legacy of the Telšiai Yeshiva is not only material but also reflects a lasting connection between the Jewish community and the city of Telšiai. This connection is visible not only within the Gedolah Ateres Shlomo Yeshiva, but also across Israel—for example, in the city of Rishon LeZion, where a street and roundabouts bear the name of the Telšiai Yeshiva.

According to members of the delegation, the visit marked an important step in strengthening ties between Telšiai and Israel. It is expected that cooperation will continue to grow, while new initiatives will further promote Telšiai’s cultural and historical heritage internationally.

Information provided by the Samogitian Museum “Alka.”