Workers restoring the long-derelict synagogue in Senec, Slovakia made a discovery — the foundations of the Bimah.
The discovery was published in a progress report on the €1.6 million restoration, released by Senec city officials in late February. It said that prior to the commencement of restoration work, the mikveh had also been discovered; though its reconstruction is not formally part of the synagogue project, officials plan to preserve it.
The long-awaited restoration of the synagogue kicked off in May 2018. Funded by the Bratislava Self-Governing Region, it is expected to be completed in 2020.
To date, the wooden roof structure has been restored and the roofing was completely replaced. Reconstruction of the front facade has also been completed, and work is progressing on the other exterior walls.
The reconstruction includes both the interior and exterior of the building, which was built in the last part of the 19th century and stood vacant and derelict for decades after being used for storage after WW2. Listed as a cultural monument, it stands in a prominent spot on a main street.
The synagogue will become a multi-function cultural center, with conference facilities and a permanent exhibition on local Jewish history.
Click to read the progress report and see a gallery of photos
Click to see our original story about the restoration, from May 2018
1 comment on “Slovakia update: Work progresses at Senec synagogue, with a discovery”
Hi:
My name is Rachel Banai.
I am married to Moshe Banai,the Grand son of Rabbi Emanuel Menachem Breznitz.
your last Rabbi of Senec Synagogue ,He served there until 1944 when he and his family was taken to Auschwitz. The Rabbi and his wife did not survived Auschwitz while his daughters was taken to Bremen Hoffa to work for the Germans.
I hope your People will be interested to interview my Mother in low, Mrs Sabina Breznitz ( Banai) age 95
and still very sharp and remember everything for your Museum data.
Her testimony may shade the light on
the life of the 400 Jews who lived in Senec until 1944.
We live in USA while most of the family is in Israel
Please get in touch with me for more information.
Many Thanks
Rachel Banai