Great Synagogue F
Visited in the year: 2019
This next series is about a beautiful synagogue, designed by a famous Hungarian architect. It was built in the Neo-Moorish style and almost entirely made out of wood which – to me – is stunning! Moreover, everything is entirely decorated with artworks and carvings.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Pre-WWII, Eastern-Europe was a place where many Jewish people lived. Since the Jewish people did not have their own homeland then, they were spread all over the world. In every region Jewish people had formed their own traditions. The two largest groups are the Ashkenazim (mainly from Eastern-Europe) and the Sefardim (mainly from Spain, Portugal and Morocco). Nonetheless, this synagogue was built in the late 18th century to serve both groups. The interior also contained elements of both groups which resulted in a beautiful mixture of styles.
The synagogue closed after WWII. Many of the Jews who lived in Eastern-Europe were brutally killed by the Nazis. The few remaining Jews did not feel safe anymore and emigrated to – among others – British Palestine. The city’s Jewish populated had decreased from over 10.000 pre-WWII to only a couple of hundred after the war. Together, they did not have sufficient resources to fund the synagogue. Since the 80’s of the 20th century the synagogue has been vacant and decaying. Parts of the roof have collapsed and the all the valuable items have been looted, even the holy scriptures.
The last attempts to keep the synagogue alive, were to transform it into a theatre due to its good acoustical design. Unfortunately, these attempts have all failed and the synagogue remains a ruin.
The Torah ark or ark in a synagogue is known in Hebrew as the Aron Kodesh by the Ashkenazim and as the Hekhál amongst most Sefardim. It is generally a receptacle, or ornamental closet, which contains each synagogue’s Torah scrolls. In most cases, when possible, the ark is located on the wall of the synagogue closest to Jerusalem.
Former entrance to the synagogue
The public staircase with purple windows leading visitors towards the first floor.
Traditional wooden Benches
The curved arch of wood is beautifully decorated full with details
This organ was built begin 19th by a German
craftsman
The tower was also beautifully decorated
