Article Žatec Synagogue
The second largest synagogue in Bohemia
The Žatec Synagogue was built in 1871–1872 in the Moorish style according to a design by architect Johann Staňek. It was later expanded with two towers and rebuilt.
This listed sacral building is the second largest synagogue in Bohemia after the Pilsen Synagogue.
Destruction of the synagogue
Before the war, Žatec was one of the most important German nationalist centers. On the night of November 9–10, 1938, fanatical Germans set fire to a total of 35 synagogues in the Sudetenland, including the Žatec synagogue. Unlike many others, however, the bare structure, including the roof, was preserved here. The destroyed building subsequently served as a warehouse.
Challenging reconstruction
It was only saved in 2013 when a private investor purchased it and the rabbi's house and began a demanding renovation. The synagogue and rabbi's house were opened to the public after a complete renovation on March 19, 2024.
Present
After reconstruction, the Žatec Synagogue and Rabbinical House have become an important cultural center. The synagogue hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.
The permanent exhibition presents the history of the Jewish community in Žatec, including the Holocaust period.
Excellent acoustics
The synagogue has excellent acoustics, which is why concerts and other cultural events are held here.
Rabbi's House
The Rabbinical House, located in the immediate vicinity of the synagogue, served as the seat of the rabbis of Sazatka. The two buildings were connected and thus formed one complex. Today, the ground floor is a space for meetings and occasional exhibitions.
Permanent exhibition "Jews in Žatec and the surrounding area".
The rabbi's house has an exhibition on the first floor dedicated to Jewish traditions and customs. Visitors can view objects related to the Jewish religion and culture here.
Rabbi's apartment
On the first floor, among other things, there is the stylized apartment of Rabbi Dr. Simon Stern, who worked here from 1891 to 1930.
Period interior
The apartment is furnished with period furniture and equipment. Among other things, there is an interesting period telephone.
Synagogue curtain
Due to the destruction of the synagogue by fanatical Germans, only this curtain survived from the synagogue's original furnishings, which was donated to the synagogue by the Grünfelder couple in 1901. They managed to move to Palestine before the war and thus escape the killings.
Religious items
In another room, objects associated with the practice of the Jewish faith are exhibited.
Holocaust victims
The faces of Holocaust victims in the mirror and the lists of Jewish residents on the walls are a reminder that more than 600 Jewish residents of Žatec were murdered during the German occupation.
The establishment of the state of Israel and assistance from Czechoslovakia
Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the events surrounding the establishment of the State of Israel. Immediately after the State of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948, it was militarily attacked by neighboring Arab states. Israel was able to defend itself thanks to the supply of weapons and ammunition.
A significant amount of weapons and even aircraft were transported to Israel from the airport in Žatec.
