Wouldn’t you agree that the Raw Aron Schuster Synagoge stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s vibrant Jewish history? It’s more than just a building. It’s a symbol of resilience and faith.
The Raw Aron Schuster Synagoge is also known as the Obrechtsjoel. It is the largest still-functioning Ashkenazi synagogue in Amsterdam. You can find it at the corner of Jacob Obrechtplein and Heinzestraat. It’s part of the Jewish Community in Amsterdam. Many Jewish weddings happen here.
In the early 20th century, many Amsterdam Jews moved out of the traditional Jewish quarter. They settled in the new southern part of the city. This created a need for a new synagogue. Services stopped at the Obbene Sjoel when this new synagogue opened.
Before this, there was a synagogue in a house on Cornelis Schuytstraat from 1917. After 1919, a temporary synagogue was built near the future location on Obrechtplein. Then there was a short time a synagogue on the grounds of the Jewish CIZ hospital. The Raw Aron Schuster Synagoge on Jacob Obrechtplein opened on May 18 1928. The mayor and other city officials attended. Harry Elte designed it. He was a student of H.P. Berlage. A document was placed in the wall behind the Aron Hakodesh during the cornerstone laying. Ph. Coppenhagen was the first rabbi here. M.H. Landau became the cantor. After World War II, the Obrechtsjoel became the center of Jewish life in Amsterdam. The first service was held on Rosh Hashanah in 1945. The original benches were later returned.
In 1973, Rabbi Aron Schuster left Amsterdam to live in Jerusalem. The synagogue was named after him. He had been a rabbi in Amsterdam since 1942. Rabbi Meir Just also worked here from 1962 to around 2000. The building became a national monument in 1995. This allowed for a full restoration. The small synagogue was redesigned by Piet Cohen to match the main synagogue’s style. The synagogue was rededicated on December 14 1997. Queen Beatrix visited in 2010.
The building has a prayer room, a small synagogue, and a mikveh. It shows influences from Willem Dudok and Frank Lloyd Wright. The exterior seems strict but the interior is richly decorated. The stained-glass windows are very noticeable. They show the twelve tribes of Israel. Atelier Willem Bogtman designed them. The ark is surrounded by a parabolic niche. The women’s gallery is located in the back.
The Raw Aron Schuster Synagoge faced decline as Jews moved to the suburbs. But it was restored in 1997. The RAS club was formed to attract new visitors. Rabbi Zwi Spiero helped make services more accessible. The synagogue has remained a lively community. Hans Bloemendal was the cantor from 1949 to 2009.
The Raw Aron Schuster Synagoge stands as a living piece of Amsterdam’s Jewish heritage. It’s open and active. It welcomes everyone to experience its rich traditions.