Kenesa

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Kenesa in Trakai
Kenesa in Trakai

A kenesa is a Karaim synagogue. The word derives from the Aramaic word for "assembly" (in Hebrew, the word for synagogue is beit knesset).

The first kenesas were built in the 14th century in Lithuania, in Trakai, Biržai, Kėdainiai, Panevėžys and Vilnius.

An early 20th century kenesa still stands in Trakai, Lithuania and another one in Vilnius; both are in service.


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