Wonders of Prague: Historic and Great Synagogues of Europe -- Jubilee Synagogue in Jerusalem Street -- Prague, Czech Republic

The Jubilee Synagogue in Jerusalem Street is the newest and largest synagogue in Prague.  An Orthodox Synagogue, it was built between 1905 and 1906 in an interesting mix between Neo-Moorish and Viennese Art Nouveau.  The largest synagogue in Prague, it has room for 850 worshippers.

The Jewish community of Prague was historically one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, as it is known that there were Jews here as early as 970 CE.  By the end of the 1100s a Ghetto was formed in Prague and the Jews were basically living in a semi-independent state among themselves.  The Oldest Synagogue in Europe, the Altneuschul (The Old New Synagogue) was built in 1270 and there are still many other historic synagogues in the Historic Jewish Quarter of Prague. (An interesting side note, I am descended from one of the leaders of the Jewish Community of Prague in the 1600s, Jacob Bassevi von Treuenberg .)

The Ghetto was abolished in 1852, thus giving an opportunity for the Jews of Prague to build a new synagogue.  Thus when the Jews of Prague wished to build a new synagogue around the turn of the 20th century, they were able to build this new synagogue on Jerusalem Street, located outside of the historical Jewish Quarter.  Before World War II and the Holocaust, there were nearly 100,000 Jews in Prague.  Most of them were killed, and most of the survivors fled to Israel after its creation in 1948.  Today there are an estimated 1,600 Jews in Prague.

The Jubilee Synagogue was built when Prague was under the control of the Austrian Empire.  It was dedicated on Simchat Torah 1906 and is named in honor of the 50th anniversary (or Jubilee Anniversary) of the reign of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I.

The stunning facade of the Jubilee Synagogue is decorated in an Islamic or Moorish/Spanish-like design.  There is also a beautiful large arch and rose window with a superb Star of David (Magen David) inside.  The outside is colored in numerous bright shades and is a lovely sight for the eyes.

The inside of this 850 seated synagogue is divided by two rows of Islamic-styled arches.  The Stained Glass windows of the synagogue are breathtaking and the upper floor contains the women's prayer section.

During World War II, when most of the Jewish population of Prague was killed, the Jubilee Synagogue was used as a warehouse for confiscated Jewish property.  Surviving the war, the Jubilee Synagogue continued to function as a synagogue.  It was recently painstakingly restored and is now one of the most stunning and unique synagogues in the world.  In 2008 it opened to tourists.

Prague is an amazing city and is almost fairytale-like in its appearance.  Definately make sure to include the Jubilee Synagogue, along with all of Prague's other Jewish Historical treasures, on your itinerary when you come and visit!!

The Synagogue holds Shabbat Services every Friday Evening and Saturday Morning.  The Synagogue is open to the public Sunday through Friday, and is closed on all Jewish Holidays.

Address:
Jeruzalemska 7, Prague 1

This article is part of a series on:

Wonders of Prague: The Best Sites to See on Your Vacation in Prague!

Historic and Great Synagogues of Europe: The Best Jewish Sites to Visit on Your European Vacation!

Wonders of Prague: Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock

Historic and Great Synagogues of Europe: New Synagogue -- Berlin, Germany

Historic and Great Synagogues of Europe: Great Synagogue in Dohány Street – Budapest, Hungary