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The Popper Synagogue
The Popper Synagogue is located deep in a courtyard at #16 on Szeroka street. It was erected in the second decade of the 17th century thanks to the beneficence of one of Kazimierz's richest bankers and merchants�Wolf Popper. He was also known by his nickname, The Stork, which he acquired for having been rumored to stand on one leg when lost deep in thought. Popper conducted large-scale international trade in fabrics and saltpeter, which was an essential ingredient in gunpowder. His fortune eventually reached 200, 000 zloty, making him one of the richest men in Europe. Towards the end of his life he decided to finance the construction of a synagogue.
It is hard to think that this simple structure once stood as one of the most splendid houses of worship in Kazimierz. Unfortunately after the death of Wolf "The Stork" Popper, the Popper family lost much of its fortune, in no small part to the epidemics, fires, wars and costly tributes of the 17th century. The synagogue therefore lacked a wealthy sponsor who would have been able to prevent the decline of the once grand synagogue.
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Until II World War not much remained of the rich interior. Majer Balaban only provides an account of the openwork doors that depicted four animals: an eagle, a leopard, a lion and a buck dear, which symbolize the four traits of a devout man. The doors are currently housed in The Wolfson Museum in Jerusalem.
The Popper Synagogue. Foto: J.J.
A post-war renovation carried out in the middle of the 1960s erased all traces of the buildings previous role. The porches and annexes were demolished, and both the aron ha-kodesh and the entrance from ulica Dajwór were walled up, and the building was turned into a cultural center for children.
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