The synagogue, built in 1861, is well-preserved, but the sad signs of oblivion are becoming more and more clearer. Sometimes, the synagogue opens its doors, and then guests come. This guest is a special one, an enlightened and attentive observer. He recalls and writes down words in Hebrew and Arabic, studies the synagogue’s decorations and examines details. The guest tries to imagine what it was like when there was life here filling the emptiness of abandonment for a while.

Saida lives at the Jewish cemetery and looks after it to the best of her ability, just as her father and grandfather did. Maybe her great-grandson, who lives with his mother here in the cemetery, will do the same. Saida’s life at the graveyard, with her geese, chickens and dogs, is natural in its daily routine, combining Muslim customs with respect for another religion, and the cemetery keeper imagines no other destiny but to care for the graves of the deceased Jews of Buynaksk.