Zamość Synagogue
Zamość Old Synagogue | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
Status | Disused |
Location | |
Location | 9-11 Zamenhofa Street Zamość, Poland |
Architecture | |
Style | Renaissance |
Groundbreaking | 1610 |
Completed | 1618 |
Specifications | |
Width (nave) | 11.6 x 12.2 metres |
Materials | Stone and brick |
Europe |
Zamość Synagogue (
History
The first Jews settled in
Today only 3 Jews live in Zamość. In 1939 there were over 12,000 who made up 45% of the city's population. Of these 4,000 initially managed to escape the
Currently next to the building of the synagogue is the former office of the community, dating from the 18th century with additions from the 19th century, and the
, renovated in the 19th century, is located in the cellars at 3 Zamenhofa Street (previously ul. Żydowska - "Jewish Street").The synagogue was one of the first properties to be officially returned to the Jewish community by the Polish government in 2000 and in 2004 the public library which used the building moved to another location. In 2009 a major reconstruction of the synagogue was underway under the auspices of the Warsaw-based Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland. A permanent exhibit will feature a "virtual tour" of the many Jewish
The other synagogue in Zamość is at 32 Gminna Street in the Nowa Osada district. It was erected in 1872 and extended during 1909–1913. In 1948 it was turned into a kindergarten.[3]
Structure
The town of
During the 18th century, a modest entrance hall was added on the west side of the prayer hall. At the same time a second floor was built over the original women's prayer rooms. At some stage the exterior walls were extended upwards, with
Interior
The
Zamość Synagogue Revitalization Project
The
Together with city's authorities and local
non-governmental organizations, we want to renovate the Zamość synagogue and make it a vibrant cultural centre which will serve all the people from Zamość and its environs. The synagogue will also house a Museum of Jews from Zamość and the Zamość region. The Museum is going to present the history of penetration and mutual enrichment of Polish and Jewish culture in the Zamość region. It will also introduce those Jews, who contributed to the intellectual, religious and cultural history of the region. Unfortunately the building of the Zamość synagogue is in a very bad condition and urgently requires a complex restoration. The cost of the restoration works is estimated for a couple of millions PLN; the Foundation is taking steps in order to obtain sufficient funds for renovation works, but it is a tremendous challenge.[4]
The assigning of new functions to the building, including use as an art gallery, concert and theatre hall, has been deemed necessary to attain funds for necessary conservation works, although this has proved a controversial move. Another organisation, the
In September 2009, restoration work was begun at the hands of the FODZ. The bulk of the funding for the restoration came from the European Economic Area and Norway Grants, which was established by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to support various social and economic projects throughout Europe, as well as from the World Monuments Fund.[2]
Sources
- The Zamość Synagogue Revitalization Project
- The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot
- Adam Mickiewicz Institute: Traces of the Past, Zamość
References
- ^ a b c "Survey of Historic Jewish Monuments in Poland", Samuel Gruber and Phyllis Myers, Report to the Presidents Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, Jewish Heritage Council World Monuments Fund, Nov. 1995, p. 46
- ^ a b c Freund, Michael (September 5, 2009). "Renovation begins on medieval Polish synagogue", The Jerusalem Post
- ^ Adam Mickiewicz Institute: Traces of the Past, Zamość
- ^ Zamość Synagogue Revitalization Project
- Jewish Tribune, London. p. 3.
The synagogue has fungus growing on the inside which could easily be stopped but is causing severe damage. To add insult to injury the synagogue was used for an art exhibition by Zamość council in 2005 and had an Australian painter paint awful bright garnish colours all over the ancient walls. This is truly criminal!
External links
- Computer simulation of the synagogue renovation project
- "Have You Killed and Also Taken Possession" Eva Bar-Ze'ev, May 2001.
Photographs
- Steven Pinker's Photos of Poland, Zamość Synagogue
- Steven Pinker's Photos of Poland, Zamość Synagogue entrance
- Wonders of Zamosc - Synagogue
- Zamojska synagoga dzisiaj, May 2005