Old New Synagogue

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The Old New Synagogue (Template:Langx; Template:Langx), also called the Altneuschul, is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in Josefov, Prague, in the Czech Republic. The synagogue is Europe's oldest active synagogue.Template:Efn Completed in 1270, it is also the oldest surviving medieval synagogue of twin-nave design.<ref name=jmprague>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

It is one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> A still older Prague synagogue, known as the Old Synagogue, was demolished in 1867 and replaced by the Spanish Synagogue.

EtymologyEdit

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.<ref name=jmprague /> Another explanation derives the name from the Hebrew עַל תְּנַאי (al tnay), which means "on condition" and sounds identical to the Yiddish "alt-nay," or old-new. According to legend angels have 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

InteriorEdit

Nine steps lead from the street into a vestibule, from which a door opens into a double-nave with six vaulted bays. This double-nave system was most likely adapted from plans of monasteries and chapels by the synagogue's Christian architects.<ref name="Krinsky">Template:Cite book</ref> The molding on the tympanum of the synagogue’s entryway has a design that incorporates twelve vines and twelve bunches of grapes, said to represent twelve tribes of Israel.<ref name="Meek">Template:Cite book</ref> Two large pillars aligned east to west in the middle of the room each support the interior corner of four bays.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The bays have two narrow Gothic windows on the sides, for a total of twelve, again representing the twelve tribes. The narrow windows are probably responsible for many older descriptions of the building as being dark; it is now brightly lit with several electric chandeliers.Template:Fact

The vaulting on the six bays has five ribs instead of the typical four or six. It has been suggested that this was an attempt to avoid associations with the Christian cross. Many scholars dispute this theory, pointing to synagogues that have quadripartite ribs, and Christian buildings that have the unusual five rib design.<ref name="Krinsky"/>Template:Rp

The bimah from which Torah scrolls are read is located between the two pillars. The base of the bimah repeats the twelve vine motif found on the tympanum.<ref name="Meek"/> The Aron Kodesh where the Torah scrolls are stored is located in the middle of the customary eastern wall. There are five steps leading up to the Ark and two round stained glass windows on either side above it. A lectern in front of the ark has a square well a few inches below the main floor for the service leader to stand in.Template:Fact

The twelve lancet windows in the synagogue, which directed light towards the bimah, apparently led members to compare the structure with Solomon's Temple.<ref name="Meek"/>

The synagogue follows orthodox custom, with separate seating for men and women during prayer services. Women sit in an outer room with small windows looking into the main sanctuary. The framework of the roof, the gable, and the party wall date from the Middle Ages.Template:Fact

An unusual feature found in the nave of this synagogue is a large red flag near the west pillar. In the centre of the flag is a Star of David and in the centre of the star is a "Jewish hat." Both the hat and star are stitched in gold. Also stitched in gold is the text of Shema Yisrael. Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor awarded the Jewish community their own banner in recognition for their services in the defence of Prague during the Thirty Years War. The banner now on display is a modern reproduction.Template:Fact

Golem of PragueEdit

It is said that the body of a Golem (created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel) lies in the attic where the genizah of Prague's community is kept.<ref name=templesanjose>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A legend is told of a Nazi agent during World War II broaching the genizah, but who perished instead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the event, the Gestapo apparently did not enter the attic during the war, and the building was spared during the Nazis' destruction of synagogues.<ref name=templesanjose/> The lowest three meters of the stairs leading to the attic from the outside have been removed and the attic is not open to the general public. Renovation in 1883, and exploration of the attic in August 2014, found no trace of a golem.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

GalleryEdit

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The eastern facade
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The Old New Synagogue before 1906
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Rear with ladder to attic
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Old New Synagogue by painter Template:Ill
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Rabbi Loew's chair
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View from the south-east
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Interior
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View of the "Jewish Flag"
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Close up of the "Jewish Flag" with the "Jewish Hat"