Pestalozzistrasse Synagogue (Berlin)

The synagogue in Pestalozzistrasse, built in 1911/12, is a liberal Jewish house of worship. First intended and used as a private synagogue, it became the property of the Jewish community as an association synagogue in 1919. It is still located in the backyard today and thus remained largely unscathed during the Nazi period. Misappropriated, it was eventually used until the end of the war as a horse stable and laundry, among other things. Shortly after the end of the war, the first restoration work began, so that in 1947 it could once again function as one of the first Berlin synagogues. Further restoration and repair work followed. The interior of the prayer house is more elaborate and decorative than one might expect from the outside. The exterior façade appears simple and yet at the same time stands out - due to its brown color - from the surrounding buildings. The interior, on the other hand, is less plain, but rather splendidly decorated with a starry sky and golden dome. In addition to its synagogal function as a meeting and prayer place, it is one of the venues for the  annual "Louis Lewandowski Festival." This is not chosen by chance, of course, because the melodies of the Jewish-German composer Louis Lewandowski are part of the synagogue's fixed Friday evening (Shabbat) prayer repertoire. In this context, the listed house of worship is known primarily for its organ and mixed choir.