Synagogi online
7@nite Synagogi Nocą 2020
7 czerwca 19.00
Synagogues online
7@nite Night of the Synagogues 2020
June 7th, 7 p.m.
Zapraszamy na wyjątkową edycję 7@nite Synagogi Nocą –
Wirtualny Spacer z synagogami w tle - 7 czerwca o 19.00 czyli 7@7.
Like every year, we want to present seven Krakow synagogues and show everyone the unique Jewish culture Kazimierz possesses. This tenth edition of 7@nite is special because it is virtual – meaning you’ll be able to participate from anywhere around the world! Let us take you on a journey around Kazimierz where you will learn about the 7 synagogues in this beautiful district of Krakow. Everyone is invited to join – those with no knowledge on Jewish heritage in Krakow, as well as those who would like to rediscover Krakow's synagogues! We will be shown around by Anna Maria Baryła – a Krakow guide, friend, and volunteer at JCC Krakow for many years. In addition to virtual sightseeing, we are also preparing a few contests involving the synagogues, some trivia that you will find in our posts. We encourage you to follow the event and actively participate in this special edition of 7@nite – 7@7 Virtual Walk!
The premiere of the Virtual Walk With Synagogues will take place on June 7th at 7 p.m. on the 7@nite fanpage. facebook.com/7atnite
This year, we’ve prepared for you some short historical information about the seven synagogues. You will learn much more while taking part in the Virtual Walk on Sunday, June 7.
OLD SYNAGOGUE (STARA SYNAGOGA)
The Old Synagogue’s creation dates back to the end of the 15th century, which makes it the oldest synagogue in Krakow. The Gothic-Renaissance style architecture, with a rib vault, has two naves and a courtyard that was once used for wedding ceremonies. Before adding a women's room and a women's balcony in the 16th century, the synagogue was only open to men. Until 1939 it was the most important place Jews gathered in Kazimierz and Kraków, performing both religious and administrative functions. The synagogue survived numerous fires and, thanks to the support of donors, has been restored several times. Since 1961, it has functioned as a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków, today The Museum of Kraków, presenting the history of Krakowian Jews. It is located at the end of Szeroka Street.
REMUH SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA REMU)
The Remuh Synagogue was established in 1553 as a private synagogue for the family and friends of its founder, Israel Issert ben Josef. It was rebuilt many times, but many original elements have been preserved such as the bimah, the Aron Kodesh, and the treasury. In 1829, thanks to Antoni Pluszczyński, a room for women was created, the stone vault was replaced with a wooden one, and a room for men was added on the first floor. To this day, the synagogue serves as a house of prayer. Every year, during the festival of Lag ba-Omer, the synagogue hosts ceremonies commemorating the death of the meritorious Rabbi of the Krakow Community, Moses ben Israel Isserles. It is located on Szeroka Street next to the Old Jewish Cemetery.
HIGH SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA WYSOKA)
The High Synagogue owes its name to its location on the second floor of a building whose ground floor served as a commercial space. The synagogue was built in 1556-1563 by a wealthy Jewish merchant named Israel, with the consent of King Sigismund II Augustus. It was intended to be used exclusively by men until the second half of the 17th century, when a women's annex was added. The synagogue stood out among others thanks to its rich furnishings, such as the Renaissance Aron Kodesh in the prayer room. Devastated during World War II, it was again authorized for use only at the end of the 20th century. The synagogue is located on Józefa Street.
THE POPPER SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA POPPERA)
The Popper Synagogue was established as a synagogue for men in 1620. It is small, built of brick, has a modest courtyard, and the building is decorated with modern paintings. It was funded by a wealthy merchant and banker, Benjamin Wolf (often called Popper). He equipped the interior of the synagogue so that it was the richest of all Krakow synagogues. After the Swedish invasion, Popper's heirs were very impoverished, which resulted in the deteriorating condition of the synagogue. At the beginning of the 19th century, the synagogue was renovated and expanded, and a hall for women was added. The synagogue, also called the Stork Synagogue or Small Synagogue, currently houses a bookstore, no equipment has survived. It is located between Szeroka and Dajwór Streets.
THE ISAAC SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA IZAAKA)
Erected in the years 1638-1644 on the initiative of Isaac Jakubowicz and with the permission of King Władysław IV Waza, The Isaac Synagogue was the pride of Kazimierz and its rich equipment and furnishings rivaled those of the Wysoka and Popper synagogues. But this magnificent early Baroque building with numerous polychromes and a richly decorated vault wouldn't enjoy its times of splendor for very long. During the Swedish invasion, the synagogue was completely robbed, and shortly afterwards, partly burned. Renovated in 1857, in later years it served as a sculpting and conservation workshop for organs. It was not until 1994-1995 that significant renovations were carried out through the Krakow Monuments Protection Fund. Today, the synagogue serves both religious and museum purposes. It is located on the corner of Isaac and Kupa Streets.
KUPA SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA KUPA)
Powstała prawdopodobnie w 1643, z myślą o najuboższych członkach gminy żydowskiej, sąsiadowała z żydowskim szpitalem, przez co nazywana jest również Synagogą Szpitalną lub Synagogą Ubogich. Wnętrze barokowego budynku zdobią liczne polichromie z czasów II Rzeczypospolitej oraz malowidła i kamienny aron ha-kodesz, zachowane z oryginalnego wyposażenia. Synagoga przylegała bezpośrednio do obronnych murów miejskich Kazimierza, których fragment zachował się po dziś dzień. W XVIII wieku, kiedy mury straciły swoją funkcję, dobudowano galerię dla kobiet. Bożnica została zdewastowana podczas II wojny światowej i odremontowana dopiero w latach 2000-2001 przez gminę żydowską. Obecnie pełni funkcje modlitewne i sąsiaduje z siedzibą Gminy Wyznaniowej Żydowskiej w Krakowie. Mieści się między ulicami Miodową a Jonatana Warszauera.
TEMPEL SYNAGOGUE (SYNAGOGA TEMPEL)
The youngest of Krakow's synagogues, the Tempel Synagogue was built in the second half of the 19th century. The synagogue, which has been extended many times, combines many styles, including Byzantine, Neo-Roman, and Neo-Renaissance, and its interior is decorated with Moorish paintings and a rich collection of stained glass. It is also called the Progressive Synagogue because of the activity of the progressive Jewish community supporting the Haskalah. During World War II, the synagogue served as a warehouse, but religious services were once again held in the building in 1945. In the years 2000-2005 it underwent major renovations to become not only a house of prayer, but also a gathering place for celebrations and ceremonies related to Jewish culture. It is located at the intersection of Miodowa and Podbrzezia streets.
Prepared by the JCC Krakow team based on literature on the subject.
Pictograms: the idea of Renata Guzera
Poster by Justyna Janikowska
Organizer
JCC Krakow — The Jewish Community Centre of Krakow was opened in 2008 as the result of an initiative by HRH The Prince of Wales. This year, the JCC celebrates 11th anniversary of working towards rebuilding the Jewish life in Krakow. The Centre has something of a cult status in the city; it is full of life, energy, creativity, amazing people and innovative, sometimes crazy ideas. It’s a constantly developing, growing and dynamic space with a highly positive atmosphere that offers a variety of educational and cultural programs. From its Senior Club to the newly opened Jewish nursery and kindergarten "Frajda," the JCC caters to all generations. It is the hub and heart of the Jewish community in Krakow, an important site on the cultural map of the city.
Partners of the tenth edition of 7@nite:
JDC Polska – Joint Distribution Committee Poland Foundation
KBF – Krakow Festival Office
