Jubilee Synagogue

The Jerusalem Synagogue ( Czech Jeruzalemska synagoga ) is a synagogue in Prague's New Town. It is located in the Jerusalem road ( Jerusalemská ) 7

History

1898 began with the slum clearance of verslumten Jewish Town Josefov. In the course of were three old synagogues, the Gypsy Synagogue, Grossenhof Synagogue and the New Synagogue, demolished. As a substitute, they founded an association to build a new synagogue. The club acquired in 1899 an old house in Jerusalem street, on the site of the building was to be erected.

Two projects were not realized. There was a draft in the Romanesque Revival style of Alois Richter and a neo-Gothic style by Josef Linhart. Instead, the plan of Wilhelm Stiassny from Vienna was implemented, which provided for a building in Moorish and Oriental styles.

1904-1906 Alois Richter led by the plan of his colleagues from Vienna. The inauguration took place on Simchat Torah on 16 September 1906. The original name of the synagogue was Jubilee Synagogue, as the plan for construction of the building at the time of the 50th anniversary jubilee had been taken by Emperor Franz Joseph. But soon was called the house of God Jerusalem Synagogue, (named during the German occupation " Transylvania Road ") after the street name of the location, which in turn is derived from the defunct Jerusalem Baroque chapel.

The Jerusalem Synagogue has been used 1941-45 as a transit camp of confiscated Jewish property from the " Trustee " of the Central Office for Jewish Emigration in Prague ( Central Office for the settlement of the Jewish question in Bohemia and Moravia since 1942 ). Since 1945, the synagogue was in use throughout the Prague Jewish community. From 1993, began interior and exterior renovations that took place gradually. The building is open during the summer months for tourists ( from April to October, 11/ 13 to 17 clock, except Saturdays and Jewish holidays ), and is also used for concerts and exhibitions.

Specifications

The building is an example of how Moorish style forms were interpreted and varies in free sezessionister way. In the center of the facade is a powerful portico with an Islamic bow and a rose window that shows a Star of David. Two tower-like risalits flanking the portico, on the gable panels are attached with the Ten Commandments. An inscription on the portico quotes the Psalm 118.2: This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter. At the central arch of the entrance arcade, there is a verse of the prophet Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? Did we not create a god?

Inside the synagogue consists of a three-aisled basilica, whose side aisles separated by arcades of compressed Islamic arches from the nave. The arcades carry the women's gallery and in the west the organ loft. Glass windows and skylights provide for the lighting. The ark is in the form of a stepped portal, the upper area is decorated with a vine motif and are crowned by the tables of the law. All walls and ceiling are conspicuously painted with rich decorations in Moorish style.