Film Explores the Secrets Behind the Great Synagogue of Vilna

Dr. Philip Reeder, dean of the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, is among a group of specialists and volunteers featured in the new documentary titled The Secrets of the Great Synagogue of Vilna.

The documentary explores the efforts of a team of scientists, scholars, students and volunteers to preserve the remains of the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Lithuania.

Reeder is lead cartographer on the team that has conducted research at the synagogue since 2015. The Great Synagogue of Vilna was one of the oldest and most significant religious and cultural sites for Eastern Europe’s Jewish population before it was ransacked during World War II and destroyed by the Soviets in 1956.

As part of his research, Reeder has brought archeological samples from sites around Vilnius that students in Duquesne’s Forensic Science and Law program analyze for research projects.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to register to view the free premiere, which will be broadcast via Zoom Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. A special panel discussion will immediately follow with Reeder, the filmmaker Loic Salfati and other members of the research team.

Registrants will receive two links via email. The first link will provide access to the film, and the second link will provide access to the panel discussion.

The film’s trailer is available online.