Unveiled on November 10 1963 the Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe stands as a beacon of Jewish life in Hanover. This synagogue is not just a building. It represents resilience, community and faith.
The Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe is part of the J\u00fcdische Gemeinde or Jewish Community Centre. You will find it at Haeckelstra\u00dfe 10 in the Bult district. Its location connects it to the nearby Freundallee.
To truly understand the Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe we must delve into the past. Older synagogues stood in Calenberger Neustadt. The Neue Synagoge inaugurated in 1870 was destroyed during the Reichspogromnacht in 1938. This act of destruction was part of the horrors of National Socialism. The Jewish community suffered greatly.
The Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe emerged from the ashes of the past. The cornerstone was laid on November 9 1960. The years 1962 and 1963 saw the construction of this sacred building. Architect Zvi Guttmann designed the synagogue. It was built as part of the Gemeindezentrum a community center. The center included a residential high-rise.
Emil Schorsch a former community rabbi played a role in the synagogue’s inauguration. The dedication marked a new chapter for Jewish life in Hanover. Religious services have been held by Norbert Prager Josef Zwiebel and other cantors. Andrei Sitnov took over leadership of the services in 2000.
The architecture of the Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe is remarkable. It has organic forms on a parabolic floor plan. A relief of a menorah adorns the eastern outer wall facing Freundallee. Inside the synagogue adheres to traditional design. A reading desk sits in the center of the room. Seating is separated for men and women. There are 180 seats for men and 120 for women. The building and its garden create a harmonious whole.
In 1953 a Jewish retirement home opened at Haeckelstra\u00dfe 6. More Jews joined the congregation over the years. Regular religious instruction restarted in 1957. A new Jewish community center was built at Haeckelstra\u00dfe 10. It included a high-rise hall school rooms and offices. Community life expanded after 1990. The Jewish Community of Hanover grew significantly. It went from 900 to about 5000 members in 2009.
Today the Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe continues to serve as a vital center. It serves Hanover’s Jewish community. It symbolizes faith rebirth and the enduring spirit of a people. As you stand here remember the stories of those who came before. Their struggles and triumphs have shaped this place. The Synagoge in der Haeckelstra\u00dfe is a testament to their legacy.