Krnov Synagogue

The former Jewish temple in Krnov in Upper Silesia is the only synagogue in the Moravian-Silesian region preserved in its historical form and accessible to tourists. Experience and taste “kosher” food and drinks on “VIP tours” or take a walk “In the footsteps of the Jews of Krnovsk”.

The synagogue is located on the corner of Soukenická and Barvířské streets behind the Czech Post Office building. It was built in 1871 by builder Ernst Latzel. The length of the hall reaches 24 meters, the height of the twin towers 22 meters. The exterior of the building is neo-Romanesque . Moorish architectural elements predominate inside. The visitor will be impressed by the horseshoe-shaped arches of the carved porch above the female balconies and the brown-red coffered ceiling. This style has been used by so-called Sephardic Jews since the Middle Ages. The gas lighting distributions are attached to the supporting cast-iron columns, and you will find ventilation shafts under the windows and in the ceiling. The portal under the eastern facade is only a decorative element of the facade, behind which there is masonry. On the inside, there was a tabernacle (a wooden box with Torah scrolls) and an organ above it. On the outdoor roof plinth stood the stone slabs of the ten, which again shine in all their beauty above the facade.

The Krnov Synagogue stopped serving religious services in the fall of 1938, when the Sudetenland was annexed to Nazi Germany. Shortly afterwards, the synagogues in the surrounding towns were liquidated, but the one in Krnov was saved. For several months before “Kristallővő nocá”, the synagogue served as a warehouse of the NSV (National Socialist Care for the Welfare of the People, which was one of the components of the NSDAP, author’s note). however, the delay in clearing works, after which the burning order was revoked. The ceremonial hall of the Jewish cemetery was  burned , while symbols of the Jewish faith were removed from the actual synagogue and  turned into a city market .

During socialism , the building was first used as a warehouse, since 1960 as an archive. In 1994, it was returned to the Federation of Jewish Communities (FŽO) and since 2003 it has been operated by the civic association Krnovská Synagoga as an exhibition and concert hall . The association also acquired historic pews from 1897 , which were originally used in the synagogue in Olomouc. Signs with the names of Holocaust victims from Krnovsko are placed in the pews.

In 2010, the FŽO synagogue was selected as a unique building for the “10 stars” project, which brings together 10 buildings in the Czech Republic that have undergone complete reconstruction and housed an original exhibition.

Exhibition Jewish industrialists, entrepreneurs and inventors

The exhibition ” Jewish Industrialists, Entrepreneurs and Inventors ” across individual industries and regions of the Czech Republic is installed in the Krnovská Synagogue. In this way, you will learn about the contribution of the Jewish community to the development of industry, trade and science in the territory of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. The permanent exhibition will also draw attention to the fact that many of them were among the founders of modern industry and business sectors in the vast majority of our regions. (Rudolf Jelínek, Kohinoor, Thonet, Moser, Altvater – Praděd, ČKD, etc.)

Currently (2020) it serves as a museum exhibition, a concert hall and an exhibition hall, and it is also the only functioning synagogue in Northern Moravia and Silesia, where regular services are held and Jewish holidays are celebrated.

Oriental architecture and excellent acoustics give cultural programs in the synagogue an extraordinary charm. Jews immigrated to Krnov in the 19th century, mainly from nearby Osoblaha. The Gesslers started the production of the famous herbal liqueur Altvater(Great-grandfather), the Bellaks built the second largest textile factory in the city. Members of the Jewish community also built buildings such as the Silesia Palace or the apartment building with the Hermes restaurant on Main Square. These properties were stolen in 1938 and were mostly not returned in 1945. It was difficult for Krnovské Jews that before the war the overwhelming majority claimed to be of German nationality.

Today, the Jewish community in Krnov no longer exists, the nearest  religious community is located in  Ostrava , which uses the Krnov synagogue for regular services. There is also a memorial to the disappeared fellow citizens at the  Jewish cemetery in the street V  osada near the exit to  Opava . It was seriously damaged by partial liquidation in 1986-1990. It is continuously repaired and maintained. Access is granted.

Opening hours and VIP tours

The synagogue is open all year round , from Monday to Friday, and also on weekends from May to September. Every Friday evening and Saturday morning, it is also possible to experience the Shabbos service,  when there is a reading from the Torah.

Every year, VIP tours are prepared for visitors , where they can taste ” kosher ” food and drinks, listen to Jewish chants, or make their own Torah scroll. The tour of the city ” Following the footsteps of the Jews of Krnovské ” is a bonus for those who want to know more.

מַפעִיל

Gathering at the synagogue

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