The Old-New Synagogue

Old-New Synagogue is one of the oldest and most valuable European and Jewish monuments worldwide. It is the oldest synagogue in central Europe that has been used for divine services continuously since the last quarter of the 13th century, with the only exception being the occupation years 1942 - 1945. It is also one of the oldest Gothic monuments in our territory, which I will explain in greater detail soon.

The Old-New Synagogue was completed and fully active in 1270. The synagogue was originally called the New or Great Synagogue and later, when newer synagogues were built in the 16th century, it became known as the Old-New Synagogue. Another explanation of why this synagogue is called the Old-New Synagogue derives from the Hebrew nameעַל תְּנַאי (al tnay), which means "on condition," because according to legend, angels brought stones from the Temple in Jerusalem to build the Synagogue in Prague—"on condition" that they are to be returned when the Messiah comes, i.e., when the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and the stones are needed.

This is the inside of the Synagogue

So it is said that the designers of this synagogue are the ancestors of the Prague Jews from as long as two thousand years ago, after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (which happened in the year 70 A.D.). This is just one of the many stories this synagogue holds. This synagogue is enlaced from three sides by younger low annex buildings, which are used as a lobby and as a gallery for women. The two-aisle interior, arched via ribbed vaults into two pillars in the middle, gives an impression of an extensive space. In the middle of the eastern wall, there is a box for the Torah scrolls. In the middle of the synagogue, there is a space for the speaker, enclosed by an iron Gothic grille, with a historical banner of the Prague Jewish Community above. More Gothic stylistic elements of this temple come from its rectangular shape and roof with brick gables. ​​It is said that the body of a golem, a creature made out of clay from the banks of the Vltava River and brought to life through rituals and Hebrew incantations to defend the Prague ghetto from anti-Semitic attacks as told by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, lies in the attic where the genizah of Prague's community is kept. Renovation in 1883 and exploration of the attic in August 2014 found no trace of a golem.