A great number of Jewish families in Vitebsk and Smoleusk lost their homes because of the flood caused by the overflowing Dwina and Dnieper Rivers. Hundreds of houses were washed away. Many Jewish families were compelled to seek shelter in the synagogues.
Bridges were washed away and the Jewish quarter in Vitebsk is isolated from the center of the town, the inhabitants having to fetch food in boats.
The Synagogue Beth-Israel of Worcester, Mass. is planning a new temple, at or near the present location.
The present synagogue was formerly a residence. Owing to the increase in the Jewish residents of the district the present meeting place is inadequate.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
