Baltic States; Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

The Baltic states have seen over a thousand years of Jewish heritage. Some of the most important Jewish intellectuals and scholars have come out of these lands.

The history of the Jews in Latvia goes all the way back to 1571, and in the eighteenth century many Jews played an important role in Latvia, even holding positions as members of parliament and building schools that used Hebrew as the language of instruction.

In Lithuania, Jews similarly had a period of flourishing. Best known for the particular “Litvishe” culture of Talmudic reasoning and intense study, Lithuanian Jews were some of Europe’s most important scholars, businessmen, and professionals. Vilna and Kovno have seen some of the best and worst of Jewish history.

This heritage can be seen on a trip to Lithuania still, from the famous Vilna Ghetto, where more than 40,000 Jews lived during World War II, to an exploration into the magnificent work of the Gaon of Vilna, and the modern-day Yiddish Institute at Vilnius University.

In Estonia, a Baltic sibling to the Scandinavian countries, visit the picturesque city of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Upper Old Town is spectacular, and the Historic Lower Old Town is a great example of a Medieval Hanseatic town.

The Jewish presence in Tallinn dates back to the 14th century, and later much of the 19th century community consisted of Jewish soldiers coming from Russian military ranks that were stationed in the city. On a Jewish heritage tour of Tallinn, visit the old Jewish cemetery or the synagogue of Tallinn.

Visit the oldest wooden synagogue in Lithuania, or see the thriving capital of Latvia in Riga. Learn about Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who saved hundreds of Jews.

Try the delicious food and good wine of the Baltic states, exploring a rarely-explored part of the world packed with history and Jewish culture.

The Baltic states are unique and compelling places to go for Jewish heritage tours.