Old New Synagogue

Welcome to the awe inspiring Old New Synagogue. Standing before its austere, blocky exterior, you are beholding the oldest continuously active synagogue in all of Europe. …

Let us carefully examine the striking southern facade before we step inside. In the Middle Ages, architecture was deeply bound to numerology, and Jewish landmarks were certainly no exception. …

Moving along the exterior base of the synagogue, you will notice a low, single story brick addition wrapped tightly around the main medieval building. These are the women's naves. …

Now, step inside and physically step down into the breathtaking main sanctuary. Notice that you must descend stairs into the room. …

Before we leave, direct your attention toward the back of the synagogue, outside the main hall. There, you will see a highly restricted, forbidding iron ladder leading up to the dark, inaccessible attic. …

As we exit the Old New Synagogue, take a moment to reflect on the incredible endurance of this building. With the exception of a brief, tragic interruption of less than two years during the horrific peak of the Second World War,…