The Great Synagogue of Grodno was built from 1576 to 1580 by Santi Gucci, who designed a
wooden synagogue at Rabbi
Mordechai Yoffe's invitation. However, this building burnt down in 1617. The second synagogue was also burnt down in 1899. Jews played a very significant role in city life as industrialists, merchants, craftsmen, owners of printing houses, doctors, and teachers. There was said to be a special "Grodno Aura," created by its cultured and intelligent population. For this reason Grodno was considered to be one of the Jewish intellectual capitals of Europe. under the direction of Rabbi Yitzchok Kofman. However, in 2013, the synagogue was again destroyed by fire. The synagogue has since been restored and is in use. == Notable members ==