Nożyk Synagogue poland

Before World War II the Jewish community of Warsaw, one of the largest Jewish communities in the world at that time, had over 400 houses of prayer at its disposal. However, at the end of 19th century only two of them were separate structures, while the rest were smaller chapels attached to schools, hospitals or private homes. The earliest Round Synagogue in the borough of Praga served the local community since 1839, while the Great Synagogue (erected in 1878) was built for the reformed community. Soon afterwards a need arose to build a temple also for the orthodox Jewry. Between 1898 and 1902 Zalman Nożyk, a renowned Warsaw merchant, and his wife Ryfka financed such temple at Twarda street, next to the neighbourhood of Grzybów and Plac Grzybowski. The building was designed by a famous Warsaw architect, Karol Kozłowski, author of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra Hall. The façade is neo-romanticist, with notable neo-Byzantine elements. The building itself is rectangular, with the internal chamber divided into three aisles.

The synagogue was officially opened to the public on May 26, 1902. In 1914 the founders donated it to the Warsaw Jewish Commune, in exchange for yearly prayers in their intention. In 1923 the building was refurbished by Maurycy Grodzieński, who also designed a semi-circular choir that was attached to the eastern wall of the temple. In September 1939 the synagogue was damaged during an air raid. During World War II the area was part of the Small Ghetto and shared its fate during the Ghetto Uprising and then the liquidation of the Jewish community of Warsaw by the Nazis. After 1941 the Germans used the building as stables and a depot. After the war the demolished building was partially restored and returned to the Warsaw Jewish Commune, but the reconstruction did not start. It was completely rebuilt between 1977 and 1983 (officially opened April 18, 1983). It was also then that a new wing was added to the eastern wall.The building was the only one out of 400 synagogues, which survived the demolition of the city during WWII. At present Nożyk Synagogue is the main place of meetings for the Jews in Warsaw.

A mikveh is located in its basement.

You can visit Synagogue at:
• from Monday to Friday at: 9.00 AM – 7.00 PM,
• Sunday at 11.00 AM – 7.00 PM.

The cost of admission is 6 PLN.

Reservations is required for organised groups:
Monday – Thursday at 10.00 AM – 4.00 PM
Fridays – at 10.00 AM – 1.00 PM
[email protected]

Twarda 6, Warszawa

KOSHER TRIP ADVISER

The #1 source Kosher Travel Guide

Nożyk Synagogue poland

Nożyk Synagogue poland

Login

Sign up for KOSHER TRIP ADVISER