Re-Opening Of The Görlitz Synagogue As Culture Center In The State Of Saxony, Germany

After years of extensive renovation, Görlitz in the eastern state of Saxony has now reopened its synagogue as a nationally and internationally recognized cultural monument for visitors and events: Cultural Forum Görlitz Synagogue.

Anyone visiting the synagogue in Görlitz will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by its architectural beauty and the fascinating play of colors in the dome hall. A gold-plated scale pattern and majestic-looking lions adorn the ceiling. Precious materials in fine workmanship emphasize the east wall with the Torah shrine.

Consecrated in 1911, it is a miracle that the Jewish sacred building is still preserved. During the pogrom night on November 9, 1938, the imposing building was set on fire, but the fire brigade put out the flames and saved the building. Completed in the style of reform architecture is one of the few synagogues in Germany that survived National Socialism and the Kristallnacht. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and there are audio guides in English for five Euros. The Synagogue is the most visible evidence of Jewish history in Görlitz. Those interested can also explore other locations, for example the Jewish Cemetery or the Old Synagogue, now a house of literature. The Jewish inhabitants of Görlitz were an important and influential part of the citizenry, and many of their houses and town villas are still preserved today.There is more information to Jewish life in Görlitz to be found here.

During the GDR era, the orphaned building was used as a warehouse for theater sets but it was not really sustained and increasingly deteriorated. Rescue and securing of the building began after 1990. It was gradually renovated at a cost of millions. In the meantime, the nationally significant cultural monument shines in new splendor. The Torah shrine, the most sacred place in a Jewish house of God, is open at a central point where the Torah scrolls were previously kept.

The Dresden architects responsible for the synagogue’s design, William Lossow and Max Hans Kühne, also designed the main train station in Leipzig. They used modern technologies, including the flat reinforced concrete dome, that arches over the main room with a span of 16 meters. Above it the steel skeleton construction rises 33 meters with a high tower. The builders wanted to confidently show that Judaism has found its place in society.

After 1945, a Jewish community no longer formed at the synagogue. The monument has been owned by the city of Görlitz since 1963. As today's cultural forum, the synagogue can be used in very different ways: for education, concerts, lectures, festive events and conferences. The house is also open for individual visits with a multimedia guide. A prayer room in the former weekday synagogue is available for devotions and services.

Perhaps one of Germany’s most charming towns and once a major place of commerce, Görlitz is a center of Lusatian and Silesian culture, and it will be 950 years old in 2021. Its Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco buildings, cobble-stoned streets, red roofs and old churches and the synagogue are a tribute to the city’s beauty and culture. Many have to come admire this hidden jewel in eastern Saxony, including movie directors and producers. Some have nicknamed the city, “Goerli-wood” as movies, such as Grand Hotel Budapest, The Book Thief, Inglourious Basterds, Around the World in 80 Days and The Reader among others have been filmed in the city. Special tours follow in the footsteps of famous actors and directors. Information about tourism in Görlitz can be found at https://www.goerlitz.de/Tourismus.html