4. The Old New Synagogue

The Old New Synagogue

Synagogue
SITE OVERVIEW

The Old New Synagogue is one of Prague’s longest standing Jewish sites and the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Situated in Josefov, the synagogue is one of Prague’s first Gothic style buildings. The impressive structure, built in 1270, is a major attraction for lovers of architecture. For over 700 years, the Old New Synagogue was Prague’s main synagogue and the primary place of worship for Prague’s Jews. Since it was built, it has been in constant use by the Jewish community, except during WWII.

Image attribution:
Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons;
Øyvind Holmstad, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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Immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience with the Behind The Scenes Tour in Chassidic Brooklyn, NYC. This tour offers an exclusive look into the heart of the Chabad neighborhood, providing an insider's view of Jewish life. Explore the rich tapestry of Jewish history, culture, and practice while gaining unprecedented access to a vibrant community. Knowledgeable guides will answer all your questions, offering depth and insights that reveal the intricacies of living as a religious Jew. Capture the Essence of Chabad Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph and share the stunning architecture, vibrant street scenes, and meaningful traditions that define this community. Whether you're curious about the historical significance or the contemporary practices of Judaism, this tour provides a comprehensive understanding. Join the tour for an unforgettable experience that combines education, exploration, and engagement in one of New York's most fascinating neighborhoods.
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Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu

Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu: A Site of Deep Reflection The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, set on the eastern slope of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, resonates with profound Christian significance. This sacred site marks the location where Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus three times before his crucifixion, an event recounted in the Gospels. The church, with its vibrant mosaics and stunning vistas over the Old City, was established in 1931 by the Assumptionist Fathers, though its historical significance dates back to Byzantine times. Architecturally, the church is a marvel, featuring a mix of styles and adorned with symbolic artwork that narrates key biblical moments. Its name, 'Gallicantu,' meaning 'cock's crow,' serves as a poignant reminder of Peter's remorse, encapsulating moments of faith, repentance, and redemption. Today, the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu is both a pilgrimage site and a destination for spiritual introspection. Pilgrims from around the globe come to retrace the steps of Jesus and his disciples, often visiting the subterranean dungeon where Jesus is believed to have been imprisoned. The church also hosts various religious ceremonies and events, enhancing its role as a living monument of faith. This site, significant to both Christian and Jewish travelers, offers a narrative that intertwines the historical and spiritual heritage of Jerusalem, thus connecting diverse stories of devotion and communal memory. People visit to reflect on forgiveness and betrayal, drawing meaning from one of the most poignant episodes in the New Testament.
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Church of St. Anne

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Church of All Nations

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Cenacle (Room of the Last Supper)

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Tomb of the Virgin Mary

Tomb of the Virgin Mary, Jerusalem Nestled at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary is a sacred site revered by Christians around the world. The site is believed to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and is of immense spiritual significance. The tomb's history dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, with the current structure showcasing stunning examples of Byzantine and Crusader architecture. The stone facade, adorned with intricate carvings and religious iconography, draws visitors immediately into a sense of awe and reverence. The Tomb of the Virgin Mary continues to be a focal point for Christian pilgrims, who gather here throughout the year for prayer and reflection. Special services and rituals, particularly during the Feast of the Assumption in August, underscore the site's enduring importance. Over the centuries, the tomb has been carefully preserved and restored, ensuring that it remains a vibrant testament to religious devotion and architectural splendor. Visitors from diverse backgrounds come to pay their respects, with many finding a profound connection to the deep, interwoven histories of Jewish and Christian cultural heritage. Notable figures and stories abound, adding rich layers of human narrative to this holy site.
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Garden of Gethsemane

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Events

Singer's Warsaw Jewish Culture Festival

The Singer's Warsaw Jewish Culture Festival is a celebration that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage, right in the heart of Poland's capital. Named after Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Polish-born Yiddish-language writer, this festival offers a diverse array of cultural experiences, from grand and intimate concerts to theatrical performances, literature discussions, and visual arts exhibitions. Warsaw, once home to the world's largest Jewish population outside of New York, comes alive with the vibrant history and contemporary culture of the Jewish people during this annual event. Each year, the festival attracts artists from across the globe, including Poland, Austria, Germany, Serbia, Israel, the United States, Sweden, and Italy, making it a truly international affair. A Celebration of Unity and Resilience The festival offers guided tours, workshops, and film screenings, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply someone looking to explore a different cultural landscape. The event reaches its poignant conclusion with "A Lullaby for Memory," a musical performance held in front of the memorial honoring the fighters of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. This festival not only commemorates the Jewish heritage lost during the Holocaust but also celebrates the thriving contemporary Jewish culture in Poland and beyond. For a full program and to learn more about the festival, visit the Shalom Foundation's website. All images from: https://shalom.org.pl/program-2024/
Events

Mate Yehuda Wine Festival

The Mate Yehuda Wine Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region's rich winemaking heritage, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and history. This annual event, which traces its origins back to ancient times, is held in the picturesque Judean Hills, a region renowned for its scenic beauty and fertile vineyards. The festival honors the centuries-old winemaking practices that have been passed down through generations, highlighting the cultural significance of wine in Jewish life. Attendees are invited to explore a tapestry of stories, from the early days of viticulture in Israel to the modern-day innovations that continue to push the boundaries of the craft. Experience the Festivities and Flavors Visitors to the Mate Yehuda Wine Festival can immerse themselves in a variety of activities designed to celebrate this storied tradition. The festival features wine tastings from local wineries, offering a chance to savor a range of exquisite flavors and aromas. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in traditional Jewish foods paired perfectly with selected wines, while music and dance performances add to the festive atmosphere. The event also serves as a gathering place for wine enthusiasts and members of the Jewish community, fostering a shared appreciation for the art of winemaking and its role in Jewish culture. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage, the Mate Yehuda Wine Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Image attribution: All from: <https://www.m-yehuda.org.il/events/8240/>

Nearby Sites

Sites

Explore the Historical Jewish Cemetery of Prague

Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague, nestled in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, is a significant landmark that draws innumerable tourists and history enthusiasts each year. Established in the early 15th century, around 1439, it served as the only burial site for Jews in Prague until 1787. This ancient necropolis is home to an estimated 12,000 tombstones, densely packed due to the lack of space, resulting in graves being stacked up to 12 layers deep. Famous Figures Amongst the prominent figures interred here are Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, renowned as the Maharal of Prague, and Mordecai Maisel, a philanthropist and leader of Prague's Jewish community in the late 16th Century. The cemetery also has a unique array of tombstone artwork, which over the years, has become an important lexicon of Jewish symbology. With its palpable history and unique visual appeal, the Old Jewish Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the rich Jewish heritage that once flourished in Prague.
Sites

Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Josefov, Prague's Jewish Quarter The Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, in Prague, is steeped in history and heritage. This historic neighborhood is renowned for its well-preserved synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, which collectively provide a poignant reminder of the city's Jewish history, dating back to the 13th century. The Old-New Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe, is a notable landmark in the Jewish Quarter. Visitors can also explore the fascinating Jewish Museum which encompasses six Jewish monuments. A stroll through the atmospheric streets reveals an area that has witnessed both the highs and lows of the Jewish community in Prague, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Sites

Pilsen Great Synagogue

The Pilsen Great Synagogue The Pilsen Great Synagogue, built in 1893, sits in Pilsen, where a Jewish presence has existed since the 14th century. The structure was build in a Moorish-Romanesque style and is the third largest synagogue in Europe. Not long after its construction, the Czech Republish Jewish community was nearly destroyed by the Nazis and the Great Synagogue of Pilsen was used as a storage unit for property cleared out Jewish homes. On April 10, 2022, the synagogue re-opened. The reopening consisted of a procession a Torah scroll to the inside ark, words from the Culture Minister and heads of the local, Jewish community, a concert inspired by Jewish prayer, and an opening of a permanent exhibition. A bit over an hour drive from Prague, the Pilsen Great Synagogue is a great place to learn about Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic.
Sites

Jerusalem Synagogue

Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue, is location on Jerusalem Street in Prague, Czech Republic. It was built in 1906, designed by Wilhelm Stiassny and named in honor of the silver Jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. The synagogue is designed in Moorish Revival form with Art Nouveau decoration, especially in the interior. It was lately renovated and still serves religious purposes. Since Czechoslovakia became independent in 1918, it has been called the Jerusalem Synagogue as the name Jubilee Synagogue referred to the anniversary of the rule of Franz Joseph I in the defeated Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The facade and form of the synagogue are a hybridized blend of Moorish Revival and Art Nouveau, with horseshoe arches on the facade and on the interior columns supporting the women's galleries in a three-bay building. The Mudéjar red-and-white coursing of the stone facade is particularly striking. Inside, the Moorish elements are overlaid with brilliantly painted Art Nouveau patterning. After a century of being open to the public as a house of worship, except for the period of Nazi German occupation when it was used to store confiscated Jewish property, on 1 April 2008 the Jubilee Synagogue began opening its doors on a regular basis to tourists and aficionados of historic architecture.
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World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

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See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

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🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB). The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India. See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT. 👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio

🌍 Celebrating One Year of the Jewish Silk Road Portal

World Jewish Travel was thrilled at #IMTM 2024 to present a copy of the WJT Jewish Silk Road Pressbook to the CEO of the Azerbaijan National Tourism Board Florian Sengstschmid and Jamilya Talibzade its Israeli representative Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB).

The Pressbook celebrates the one year anniversary of the Jewish Silk Road Portal launch, an amazing example of using Jewish travel as a means of cultural diplomacy, whilst highlighting the significant Jewish contribution to the ancient trade route. Kudos to our participating partners from the Kiriaty Foundation (Turkey), National Board of Tourism of #Georgia, National Board of Tourism of #Uzbekistan, and Israeli Embassy of #India.

See the overwhelming reaction from the press, by downloading our free pressbook. Special thanks to Moshe Gilad of the @haaretzcom for highlighting this forgotten but important story in the Galeria section of the newspaper and available to download on WJT.

👉Link to WJT Jewsih Silk Rad Pressbook and more is in our bio ...

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Step into the soul-stirring Pesach traditions of Jerusalem virtually. Experience the resonating echoes of Birkat Kohanim🌿 Link is in our bio #VirtualTravel #JerusalemVibes #SpiritualJourney #JewishTravel #Isarel #BirkatKohanim #JewishJerusalem

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Link is in our bio

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Discover the enigmatic “Donkey Stable” in Jerusalem`s underground. Unveil the city`s secrets from home. 🌌

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