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The Temple Synagogue (Progressive Synagogue)
In the second half of the 19th century the theological ideas of the Reform Judaism began to make their way into Poland from Germany. Followers of the Reform Movement voiced the need to shed the strict adherence to the prophecies of Moses for a more modern creed that would not emphasize Jewish cultural and religious differences. To this end, they advocated changing the liturgical language from Hebrew to the national language of the country in which that particular part the Diaspora lived. They also promoted elements found in the Christian churches, such as the use of organ music accompanied by singing, mixed seating, i.e. the end of segregated seating according to sex, and an end to head coverings during religious services.
In the Polish lands there were only two Reform synagogues: the Temple Synagogue on Miodowa street in Cracow and the Great Synagogue on Tlomackie in Warsaw.
Tempel Synagogue. Foto: J.J.
The followers of the Reform movement fought for almost twenty years, form 1843 to 1862, for their own house of worship. During this time reform services were held in private apartments, but both the Society of Reformed Israelites and the Society of Religious Civilization eventually received permission to build their synagogues. In Cracow Ignacy Hercok, the Temple Synagogue's main architect, designed an eclectic, neo-Renaissance building that at the same time incorporated many Moorish elements. It is worth noting that this North African/Middle Eastern style became the dominant style of sacred Jewish architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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In the late 20th century substantial changes were made to the synagogue: on the eastern wall, a polygonal apse was added to house the aron ha-kodesh; an arcaded loggia was built for the women of the congregation; and stained glass was also added to the windows, blending with the dominant Moorish style of the interior.
Inside the synagogue. Foto: J.J.
The interior is also adorned with rich stucco work that employs both grotesque and floral designs of the Renaissance style and geometric Moorish patterns. The women's area, supported on metal pillars, borders the lengths of the northern, western and southern walls of the main prayer hall, creating a U-shaped gallery. The aron ha-kodesh is located in a deep apse of carved white marble, and is flanked on both sides by double columns of dark stone. The ceiling is a half-copula with two round stained-glass skylights.
During World War II the synagogue was severely damaged when it was used as both a warehouse and a stable. The original stained glass and some of its furnishings were saved, however.
After the war a superficial renovation was carried out and the synagogue was returned to what was left of its congregation. After the events of March 1968 the synagogue less and less frequently held services. In the 1980s, services stopped altogether. A renaissance of sorts occurred in the late 20th century, when a substantial renovation was undertaken. Currently it is a place of great cultural importance, serving as a venue for important concerts and celebrations related to Jewish culture.
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