Following an extensive restoration, the former 17th century synagogue in Chęciny reopened at the end of February as a Center for Jewish Remembrance and Culture, whose aim is to teach “tolerance and respect for other religions and cultures.”
The Center “serves as a place for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and educational events, thus promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding,” the Center’s web site states. “Symbolizing the multiculturalism of Chęciny, it is also an important link connecting the rich history of the Jewish community and the city with the present and modernity.”
The official opening took place with a ceremony February 29 attended by numerous VIPs including Mayor Robert Jaworski and other civic leaders, Jewish leaders including Poland’s chief rabbi Michael Schudrich, a representative of the Israeli Embassy in Poland, and representatives of institutions including the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Warsaw Ghetto Museum. Jaworski handed over a symbolic key to the center’s director, Monika Majchrzyk.
“The opening of the synagogue in Chęciny is not only a step towards preserving cultural heritage, but also a clear signal that the city and its inhabitants are open to dialogue and intercultural cooperation,” Jaworski said. “This is where we will teach children and young people tolerance towards other religions and cultures. The dialogue we promote is more valuable today than ever.”
Watch a video prepared by the city that shows the opening ceremony as well as a history of the building in pictures:
The restored sanctuary features the representation of an ark (Aron haKodesh) made of black marble with inlays made of Chęciny marble. There is a Educational Room on the upper floor, and an exhibition on Jewish history in Chęciny in the women’s gallery.
The synagogue dates from about 1640. During World War II the Nazis established a ghetto in Chęciny for some 4,000 people. They were herded into the synagogue in 1942 and deported to the Treblinka death camp. Devastated by the Germans, the synagogue was long used as a library and cinema in the post-war period, and also as a culture center and offices. Its condition had seriously decayed in recent years despite efforts to restore it.
The city obtained ownership of the synagogue from the Jewish community in Katowice, and the on site restoration took place throughout 2023.
Work included moderation as well as restoration, In addition to a modern educational room, “We gained a new roof, facade, stairs and floors, and also renovated historical rooms, such as the prayer place and the women’s gallery,” Jaworski said.
The restoration was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund, with funds from the EU. According to the city’s video, the total cost was estimated at 9.3 million Polish zloty (€2.1 million). The city itself said it had raised 7.2 million zloty.
Web site of the Synagogue Memorial Culture Center
Read article about the opening on the Checiny city web site