Synagogue

What a contrast to the synagogue of 1827, which was still hidden in a backyard: In 1870, the New Synagogue by the eminent Jewish architect Edwin Oppler was inaugurated on an open square in Hanover's Neustadt. In its size and the chosen architectural style, the new building expressed a growing self-confidence and the belief that as Jews they had arrived in German society on an equal footing. For, Oppler said, "The Romanesque style is German through and through."

In 1882, the Jewish merchant Julius Oppenheim bought the property at Lützowstraße 16. He owned other properties on the corner of Potsdamer Straße and gave part of the site to the Jewish community shortly before 1896. The community had the tenements there demolished and built a typical synagogue center with residential and school buildings facing the street and a synagogue in the backyard. With its red brick facade, the ensemble resembled the church buildings that were being built at the time. In the house, Jews prayed according to the liberal rite, that is, with organ accompaniment.

Dating from 1553, this is Kraków's smallest but most active synagogue, with Shabbat services once again taking place here each Friday following the recent completion of restoration works. The synagogue was established by the family of the famous 16th century Polish rabbi Moses Isserles - better known as 'the Rema,' based on a Hebrew acronym, and is unique for the proximity of the Old Jewish Cemetery adjacent to it.