Synagogue, Enschede, Jewish prayer house on Prinsestraat, Enschede, Netherlands
The Synagogue of Enschede is a Jewish house of prayer on Prinsestraat in the city center of Enschede, Netherlands, and is listed as a Rijksmonument, a nationally protected monument. The building follows a Moorish-Romanesque style, with a dome rising above the prayer hall, mosaic work covering the interior walls, and a bronze chandelier hanging at the center.
The Jewish community of Enschede first built a synagogue in 1865, but by the early 20th century the building could no longer hold the growing congregation. A new synagogue was completed in 1928, designed by the Dutch architect Karel de Bazel, who was already known for major public buildings across the Netherlands.
The synagogue is known as Or Yeshurun, a Hebrew name meaning Light of Israel, which is written above the entrance. Inside, the gallery level was traditionally used by women, and the seating arrangement below reflects the Orthodox practice still followed by the congregation today.
The building is open to visitors on certain days, and it is worth checking current visiting hours before you go. Since the synagogue is still in active use, religious holidays and service times may affect access.
Although Enschede suffered heavy bombing during World War II and much of the city was destroyed, the interior of the synagogue survived without major damage. This means that visitors today can see the same mosaics and chandelier that were in place when the building opened in 1928.
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