Dutch King Willem-Alexander took part in a ceremony celebrating the 350th birthday of the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, known as the Esnoga or Snoge. After the service, the King met with rabbis and members of the Jewish community. He also spoke with young people about the community’s future.
The ceremony Sunday (September 7) was one of several events marking the synagogue’s anniversary.
There was a candlelight concert September 4, and from September 8 to 12 a Summer School is being held in the synagogue. Jewish history scholars are give lectures about, among other things, the Amsterdam rabbi Da Fonseca who initiated the construction of the synagogue.
The synagogue was inaugurated in 1675 with a week full of baroque splendor to show how important the “Jews of the Portuguese nation” were for the Dutch Republic.
It is still in use for worship today and can also be visited as a historic monument as part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Importantly, its original interior has remained unchanged. The sanctuary has no heating and no electricity, and the only artificial light comes from hundreds of candles in brass candlesticks and hanging chandeliers.
A major restoration of the interior lasting around six years, was initiated in 2017 . The work primarily entailed a painstaking restoration of the wooden, brass, and gilt-leather ornamentation and fittings, including its benches and stately wooden Ark. Restoration of the entry porch was also carried out.
During the restoration of the, two superb 18th century linen wall hangings decorated with images of birds and flowers were discovered. They are now kept in the synagogue’s hidden treasure chamber.
You can CLICK HERE to watch a video of the September 7 ceremony, highlighting the king’s participation.
Click to read the Royal House report
Click here to see the Jewish Cultural Quarter English page on the synagogue