The building of the former cheder

The Former Cheder Building in Vitebsk is a unique monument of Jewish culture and the city's history. It is one of the few surviving testimonies of the centuries-long presence of the Jewish community in Vitebsk, whose contribution to the city's development is invaluable. This building was the place where the great artist Marc Chagall studied from an early age, and his art later brought worldwide fame to Vitebsk.

History

Before the revolution, Vitebsk was one of the largest Jewish centers in the Russian Empire. The city had around 35 cheders – traditional Jewish elementary schools where boys were taught the basics of religion, reading, and writing. One of these educational institutions was located in the building on Kalinina Street. It was here that Marc Chagall studied from the age of 3 to 13, absorbing the culture and traditions of his people, which later found expression in his artwork. After the revolution and subsequent historical events, Vitebsk’s Jewish heritage was almost entirely lost, but this building survived, preserving the memory of its past.

Architecture

The cheder building is a modest structure designed in the traditional style of the late 19th – early 20th century. Its architecture is simple yet functional – small windows, a modest facade, and strict forms reflect the character of educational institutions of that time. The interior spaces were arranged to make the most efficient use of the space for learning. Despite numerous changes, the building has retained its authentic features, allowing visitors to imagine its original appearance.

Excursions

The former cheder can be visited as part of excursions across Belarus, dedicated to Vitebsk’s Jewish heritage. A tour from Minsk to Vitebsk with a visit to this historic building will allow travelers to explore the rare surviving traces of the Jewish past. The excursion program, in addition to viewing the former cheder, may also include other significant city landmarks – the Marc Chagall House Museum, the Chagall Center for Contemporary Art, and historic streets that still retain the spirit of the past. During the tour, visitors will learn how Jewish education was organized in Vitebsk before the revolution, why cheders were considered an essential stage in boys' schooling, and what traditions were maintained in these institutions. Travelers can book an excursion in advance to ensure a guided experience enriched with historical and cultural insights.