Synagogue in Szczebrzeszyn

The pink building with a high mansard roof on ul. Sądowa was the main synagogue of Szczebrzeszyn's Jewish community. It was built in the early 17th century in the late Renaissance style, on the site of an even older synagogue. It survived the Cossacks, fires and the Second World War, though not unscathed – and in the prayer hall traces of its original purpose are still visible.

History

In 1648 the Cossacks burned the synagogue during the siege of the Zamość fortress; it was thoroughly repaired in 1659. In the 18th century the building was partly remodelled. Jewish and Christian craftsmen worked side by side on its repair in 1885, and after a fire in 1905 the rebuilding was led by Avraham Mordechai Boym, who employed only Jews from Szczebrzeszyn.

In 1940 the Germans burned the synagogue. Its vaults collapsed in 1946, but in 1957–1963 it was rebuilt, and since 1965 it has housed the town's cultural centre. In 2009–2010 it was renovated and its façade painted pink. In 2023 Polish Post issued a stamp showing the synagogue in its "Beauty of Poland" series.

What to see

• The Torah ark surround with a carved Hebrew verse from the Psalms, "I have set the Lord always before me".
• The main hall, its floor about 0.6 metres below ground level, under a cloister vault with lunettes.
• Symbols on the walls: the Levites' jug and basin, a menorah and a pomegranate – a sign of the Promised Land.
• A decorative band of arched niches below the windows.
• The stone portal leading from the vestibule into the prayer hall.
• A 1991 plaque on the façade telling the building's history in Polish, Hebrew and Yiddish.

Tripto tip

The synagogue is at ul. Sądowa 2, between the market square, the Orthodox church and St Catherine's Church. As it houses a cultural centre, you can get inside most easily during its opening hours or during exhibitions and concerts. Allow 20–30 minutes. Combine the visit with the Church of the Dormition next door and the beetle monument on the square.