Synagogues



	The Jewish Quarter

				The historic Jewish quarter—a depiction of Jewish communal life dating from the 19th century—is comprised of the Old Synagogue, beit midrash, and mikvah. Unesco included the compound in its nomination of Bardejov as a World Heritage Site due to “its cultural and historical significance.” The compound—its buildings and grounds—is currently occupied by a large building supply company. The committee considers this a sign of great disrespect to the compound’s religious significance, to the memory of the thousands of Bardejov Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and to their descendants, and is seeking an immediate resolution to this profoundly disturbing situation.
	Click image to enlarge

	Click here to read more about the committee’s position on the restoration of the Jewish Quarter.
	Visit our Photo Gallery to see more images of the current usage of the compound.

	The informationand images below are attributed to Synagoga Slovaca, a joint documentation project of the Institute of Jewish Studies, Comenius University; the Slovak National Museum – Museum of Jewish Culture; and the Faculty of Architecture, Slovak Technical University. (www.slovak-jewish-heritage.org)

	The Old Synagogue

				The largest and most famous of the pre-World War II synagogues in Bardejov is the Old Synagogue. Built in 1829 or 1836, prior to Jewish emancipation, it is the oldest building of what is known as the Jewish quarter, or židovské suburbium (Jewish suburb), which contained the synagogue, mikvah, beit midrash, slaughterhouse, and other community buildings. Reflecting architectural features of the Baroque and neo-Classical styles, it is one of two remaining nine-bay synagogues in Slovakia (along with the synagogue in Stupava). For this reason, it is considered one of the most valuable pieces of synagogue architecture in the country. Eight vaults covered with beautiful ornamental decoration are supported by pillars and pilasters.
	Click image to enlarge

				The building is in great disrepair, as are its grounds. For example, the portico with a staircase on the southwest corner, which gave access to the building, collapsed in the 1990s. On the eastern interior wall can be seen the damaged inscription of the Hebrew Psalm 113:3, “From the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof the Lord’s name is to be praised.”

	Visit our Photo Gallery to see more images of the Old Synagogue.

	Chevra Bikur Cholim Synagogue

				This synagogue, built in 1929, is located in the historical city center. It is named for the community association that established it, Chevra Bikur Cholim, which assists sick members of a Jewish community. The eastern façade of this simple building faces the street. A pair of pointed windows marks the sanctuary. To the right of the façade is a gateway with a smaller pointed window above. The interior, while narrow, extends toward the back of the lot and leads to a backyard.
	Click image to enlarge
				Up until his death in 2005, Mr. Meyer Špíra, one of the last Jewish residents of Bardejov, maintained the building and prayed in its sanctuary. Thanks to his efforts, the synagogue is considered one of the best preserved synagogue interiors in Slovakia. Visit our Photo Gallery to see more images of Chevra Bikur Cholim Synagogue Contact Us to see how you can help!

	Close Window

	Bardejov Jewish Preservation Committee, 905 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105 Tel 626-773-8801 Fax 626-773-8825, Email: info@bardejov.org Copyright © 2008 Bardejov Jewish Preservation Committee Photos by Rivka and Ben-Zion Dorfman; Synagoga Slovakia; HFPJC; BJPC Website designed by Prarthana Panchal and Jai Dandekar