From a simple Protestant church to a vibrant hub of Jewish life. This is the story of Sjoel Amstelveen. The building we stand before, at 435 Max Havelaarlaan, has seen a remarkable transformation. It originally served as the Bankraskerk, a Protestant church. Its unassuming exterior, with a small bell tower, once held a single bell and numerous annexes. In 2010, the church held its last service. The congregation merged with another, leaving the building’s future uncertain.
Sjoel Amstelveen’s story is one of rebirth and renewal. The Jewish community in Amstelveen, one of the most thriving in the Netherlands, sought a new home. They found it in the former Bankraskerk. The conversion was extensive. The bell tower lost its bell. The interior was completely redesigned by Piet Cohen. He crafted a space that honored tradition and embraced the future. This included designing the Torah ark and the Almemmor, the raised platform used for Torah readings.
On December 9, 2012, a special ceremony marked the building’s consecration as Sjoel Amstelveen. The event coincided with Hanukkah, the festival of lights, adding to the symbolic significance. Four hundred guests witnessed the Torah scrolls being placed in the Ark. Rabbi Aryeh Ralbag, the Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam, and Amstelveen’s mayor, Jan van Zanen, were present, underscoring the importance of this event. The children’s choir of the Rosj Pina Jewish primary school filled the air with song. Speeches highlighted the tireless work of Rabbi Ies Vorst, who nurtured the Amstelveen Jewish community for over forty years.
Sjoel Amstelveen is more than just a synagogue. It represents the continuation of Jewish life in Amstelveen. This is the fourth location for the community in this suburb of Amsterdam. It began in a modest wooden shed on Charlotte van Montpensierlaan. Then, it moved to a double-family house on Straat van Gibraltar. In 1981, they dedicated a new synagogue on Straat van Messina. Each move reflected the community’s growth and resilience. Sjoel Amstelveen continues this tradition. The building now houses not just a sanctuary, but a place for social gatherings, learning, and community support. It even hosts a social pastoral network (SOPA). This network provides essential services like visiting the sick, celebrating birthdays, and offering a listening ear.
Sjoel Amstelveen’s journey reflects the dynamic nature of history and community. From a Protestant church, it has become a vibrant center of Jewish life. This transformation embodies the enduring spirit of both the building and the community it serves. It stands as a testament to the power of adaptation and the enduring importance of faith.