The Synagogue is the centre of social and religious life of the Jewish people of St. Petersburg (about 100 thousand people), one of the oldest communities of the city. It is an architectural monument of federal significance designed in oriental and Moresque styles. The project of the building was carried out by architects L. Bakhman and I. Shaposhnikov with the participation of V. Stasov and N. Benois. The construction was completed in 1893. The St. Petersburg Synagogue is the second largest in Europe and the largest in Russia. The complex of the Grand Choral Synagogue includes: the Grand Synagogue, the Small Synagogue, the Mikvah (a structure for ritual ablutions, crucial in Judaism), and the Synagogue of Georgian Jews.

The synagogue runs two kindergartens, two Jewish schools in different districts of the city, two boarding schools for girls and for boys, overall attended by 500 children. Several dozens of Jewish young men receive religious education in the Tomchei Tmimim yeshiva.

The synagogue charity center attends to the needs of over 1000 sick and elderly people. Its clients are provided with food and clothing, as well as free medical and psychological help. Every day 2 charity canteens (soup kitchens) give out free meals for more than 300 people.

The Synagogue dating service has helped create dozens of Jewish families.

The synagogue also runs a shop “Kosher”, which sells Jewish souvenirs, religious items, books and kosher food. Kosher restaurant “Le’chaim” and a modern full-time mikvah are available for the guests.

The unique acoustics of the Grand Choral Synagogue is known all over the world. You can conduct an experiment yourself: stand facing the wall at one end of the lobby and ask people you know to stand on the opposite side and whisper some words. Despite the impressive distance (more than 10 meters), you will hear every word perfectly. Surprisingly, the voice gets amplified a great deal in the very center of the lobby.