Construction of the synagogue began in 1909, with architects submitting design proposals as part of contest. St. Petersburg architect Yakov Gevirts submitted the winning design and construction was completed in 1913 at a cost of 150,000 rubles. In 1923, the synagogue was closed, nationalized by the government, and used by a Jewish worker's club, part of the Comintern. It then served a variety of uses including housing a club, cinema and a sport complex and was not used as a place of worship until 1990. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, various Jewish groups struggled for control of the synagogue. Edward Khodos created an organization to represent the members of reform Judiaism and asserted control of the synagogue. Representatives of Chabad made competing claims, and for a period both groups operated in the building. In 1993, Khodos operated on the synagogue’s second floor, where according to reports he conducted his antiques business and set up a Friday night kick-boxing club for local children. In 1998, a fire gutted the synagogue and it was officially turned over to Chabad. Extensive renovations were completed in 2003.
Architecture
The building design is described as a combination of Romano-Gothic, Neo-Gothic, and Islamic architecture styles which the Architectural Society of Kharkiv saw as `reminiscent of the huge walls of ancient Palestine`. The building is tall at the dome and long, with a total area of. Unlike the other buildings on the block, it is set back from the street to conform with local laws requiring a certain distance from churches and other houses of worship.
The synagogue is a center for Jewish life in Kharkiv and an important city landmark. Jewish holidays are celebrated at the synagogue by Jews and non-Jews alike. A Hanukkahcelebration drew Petro Yushchenko, then governor Arsen Avakov, and national media coverage. Other events include a tribute for Kharkiv Jewish war veterans. The synagogue is run by Chabad, which has its Kharkiv headquarters in the synagogue and also maintains a mikveh and yeshiva. The synagogue's current Rabbi, Moshe Moskovitz, is also the chief rabbi of Kharkiv. Chabad also runs a school of 500 Jewish children in grades 1-11 and a kindergarten of 70 children. Kharkiv Mayor Hennadiy Kernes has attended a synagogue Purim celebration and a wedding of Moskowitz's daughter.
