Old New Synagogue
| Old-New Synagogue | |
|---|---|
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| Overview of the building | |
| Contact | Not specified ( Find this place ) |
| Type | Synagogue |
| Work Completed | 1270 |
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The Old-New Synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Josefov in Prague (also known under the names of Alt-neu Shul in Yiddish , Altneuschul, Altneusynagoge in German or Staronov synagoga in Czech ) is the oldest synagogue in Europe still in activity.
Summary |
This example of Gothic architecture religious, one of the largest of Prague, is completed in 1270. We describe, firstly under the name of Neu Shul ("New Synagogue" in Yiddish Shul (school) is the synagogue because it teaches too). When, following the extension of the Jewish community of Prague, other synagogues were successively built, she became known as the Old-New Synagogue. Oldest synagogue, known as the Alt Shul was demolished in 1867 and is replaced by the Spanish Synagogue.
Interior
Nine steps lead from the street to the lobby quasi-underground: to cope with frequent flooding of the Vltava the road level was raised throughout the Old Town of Prague. It was also quite high up a building without exceeding the steeple of the church as was the law then in force architecture in Prague. The nave is separated by six rectangular ribbed vaults supported by two columns set in a central east-west alignment. The six bays each side are pierced by two narrow windows and symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. The narrowness of the windows is responsible for the reputation of the Alt-Neu Shul from bleak. The bimah (reading desk of the Torah ) is located between two columns. The holy ark is traditionally placed at the center of the east wall.
The synagogue was built according to the custom of Orthodox Judaism with separate areas for men and women during prayer. Women are in an adjoining room that has small windows in order to follow the ceremonies in the main sanctuary. The space dedicated to women is an added space, which did not exist during the construction of the Synagogue. The roof, the gable walls and support are from the Middle Ages.
Unusual in a synagogue, the flag on the west pillar, wearing a Star of David and text Shema Israel is a privilege granted by Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor in recognition of services rendered by the Jewish community in Prague during the siege of city by the Protestant Swedish troops during the Thirty Years War. The present flag is a replica of that given by Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor.
Legends around the synagogue
Girl uses a Jewish legend Illustrations Facade Domestic and flag of the Jewish community of Prague Articles on the Jewish Museum in Prague , the various synagogues and other important sites of Josefov : 
References
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