Twelve long years. That is how long it took to build this magnificent structure, the Nová libeňská synagoga. Its foundation stone was laid in 1846. Archduke Štěpán himself attended.
Welcome to the Nová libeňská synagoga in Prague’s Libeň district. This building stands as a testament to the area’s rich Jewish history. Today, it serves as a cultural venue. It is a space occasionally used by the Prague Jewish community.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Libeň as the second most important Jewish center in Prague. Only Josefov, the Old Town, was more significant. In 1744, Maria Theresa expelled the Jews from Prague. She blamed them for siding with the Prussians. More than 10,000 people left the Prague ghetto. However, Prague depended on Jewish finances. The city risked losing its importance as a trading hub.
Under pressure, Maria Theresa invited the Jews back in 1748. Some families had already settled in Libeň. This led to the establishment of the Libeň Jewish community. The old synagogue became prone to flooding. A severe flood in 1845 prompted its demolition. The Nová libeňská synagoga was built to replace it.
The new synagogue was consecrated in 1858. It was constructed in the Roman style of the Maxentius Basilica. Its decor featured neo-Romanesque elements with oriental touches. This reflected the romantic historicism of the time. A tree-lined avenue once led from the entrance gate to the synagogue. The building is brick and has two stories. It is topped with a gabled roof.
Originally, the facade had elaborate stucco decorations. Sadly, these have not survived. The interior resembles a three-aisled basilica. It features galleries above the side aisles. The interior is oriented towards Jerusalem. An Aron Kodesh, or holy ark, faces this direction.
Services were held here for the Jewish residents of Libeň. People from Karlín and Vysočany also attended. Dr. Izák Kämpf was a notable rabbi here. The synagogue remained active until World War II. In 1941, the Nazis closed the Nová libeňská synagoga. It became a warehouse for confiscated Jewish property.
After the war, the Jewish community was diminished. Services were not resumed. The synagogue continued as a warehouse. It stored fruit and later served as a storage for theater props. Bohumil Hrabal worked here in the 1950s. He was a props technician. In the 1960s, the synagogue hosted literary and philosophical discussions. Bohumil Hrabal, Egon Bondy, and Vladimír Boudník participated.
After the 1989 revolution, the Nová libeňská synagoga was cleared and partially renovated. Today, it is used for cultural events. Occasionally, religious services take place here. Future plans include multifunctional use. The community hopes to use it for both cultural events and religious services.
The Nová libeňská synagoga stands as a symbol of resilience. It has witnessed war, neglect, and revival. It continues to serve as a reminder of Libeň’s vibrant past.