The Holocaust in Lithuania and the Unique Judaica Collection at the Interwar Museum

The Holocaust in Lithuania stands as one of the most tragic events of the 20th century. Before World War II, approximately 210,000 Jews lived in Lithuania, making up around 7% of the population. Jewish communities were deeply involved in business, culture, education, and were an integral part of Lithuanian society.

In June 1941, following the occupation of Lithuania by Nazi Germany, a systematic campaign of extermination began. Mass executions took place in Paneriai near Vilnius, the Ninth Fort in Kaunas, the forts of Šiauliai, and many other locations. By 1944, about 95% of Lithuania’s Jewish population had been murdered — one of the highest destruction rates in all of Europe.

Despite the immense loss, artifacts of the spiritual and cultural life of Lithuanian Jews have survived. Today, some of the most valuable pieces are preserved in museums, including at the Interwar Museum, which proudly holds Lithuania’s largest Judaica collection.

The Judaica Collection of the Interwar Museum

The Interwar Museum houses a unique Judaica collection that reflects the religious and cultural heritage of Lithuanian Jews. It is the largest collection of its kind in Lithuania, encompassing artifacts from Jewish religious and domestic life in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Highlights of the Collection:

Torah and Torah Set – Sacred handwritten scrolls on parchment used in synagogue services. The museum preserves one of the most valuable Torah sets in Lithuania, comprising several surviving scrolls.
Torah Crown – An ornate silver ornament placed on the wooden handles of the Torah scroll, symbolizing reverence and holiness. The crown in the collection was used in interwar-era Lithuanian synagogues.
Kiddush Cup Collection – Silver cups used for Shabbat and Jewish holidays, during which the head of the household blesses wine before the meal.
Hanukkah Menorah – A special nine-branched silver candelabrum, used during the Festival of Lights. The museum’s menorah is handcrafted and decorated with traditional Jewish motifs.
Etrog Containers – Decorative silver vessels for holding the etrog, a ritual citrus fruit essential for the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
Aron Kodesh Covers – Luxuriously embroidered fabrics used to cover the Aron Kodesh — the sacred cabinet in synagogues where the Torah scrolls are kept.

The Significance of the Collection

This collection is not only a historical legacy, but also a living testament to the culture and faith of Lithuania’s Jewish community. The Interwar Museum plays a vital role in preserving this unique history and sharing it with the public. Through these artifacts, visitors can connect with the spirit of the interwar Jewish community in Lithuania — their faith, their traditions, and the vibrant life they once led.