Reconstruction of the synagogue
The most emblematic building testifying to the rich Jewish life in Wroclaw, which connects the pre-war world with the present one, is the White Stork Synagogue. Its history reflects the mood and spirit of the times that have prevailed in the city over the last decades. Both the original beauty and the subsequent falling into ruin, as well as the reconstruction leading to its architectural splendor, perfectly illustrate the changes taking place in Polish society and its attitude towards the Jewish minority.
The White Stork Synagogue survived the Nazi times and the war in good condition, but was significantly damaged during the communist period. After the war, it served for almost thirty years, and its ceased to operate in 1974 when the authorities took it from the Jewish community. Unfortunately, a decade later a fire broke out in it, after which the degradation was progressing faster and faster. Over the years, the Synagogue was taken over by various institutions, and it was not properly looked after by any of them. Only in 1996, after overcoming many formal difficulties, the Jewish Community of Wroclaw managed to regain the White Stork Synagogue.
The first prayer in the Synagogue took place in 1998, on the 60th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogrom. Although the interior was still in poor condition, many guests and representatives of both the local and international community came to the ceremony to attend an important historical event. The ceremony was also graced by the performance of the newly created Choir of the White Stork Synagogue. The reconstruction would not, of course, be possible without many national and international founders and sponsors, for whose support and commitment the leaders of the Jewish Community of Wroclaw asked.
Reconstruction stages
The restoration of the synagogue’s splendor began immediately after the building was handed over to the Jewish Community and lasted fifteen years. The first step, the reconstruction of the roof, was already taken in 1997. After the works were completed, the walls of the building, its basements and staircases were renovated. The most important element of each synagogue, the Torah ark was reconstructed in 2001. The original forms of decorations were recreated, and owing to the work of conservators, it was possible to accurately determine its original appearance. The works lasted several years and were successfully completed – the gilded Torah ark now adorns the central point of the eastern wall. Four years later, renovation of the synagogue’s façade began. At that time, the necessary renovation works were carried out, including the reconstruction of the ornate cornices, while the façade was repainted. As a result of works performed for several years we can now admire the beauty and majesty of the synagogue in the heart of Wroclaw. One of the last stages of renovation was the reconstruction of the interior. A number of undertakings were carried out in 2008, which restored the splendor of the building – including the insertion of new windows, restoration of the bimah, renovation of the floors and finishing of the galleries. The balconies have restored benches that were used by the Jewish Theological Seminary before the war. As a result of the recent renovation process, the White Stork Synagogue has once again become a fully functioning and safe place of extraordinary aesthetic and architectural values.
An integral part of the buildings around the synagogue is the courtyard leading to its entrance. Its renovation in 2009 crowned the renovation process. As a result, the courtyard can also host important events – not only for the Jewish Community. It is also a popular meeting place and space for many cultural initiatives. The present appearance of the courtyard after the reconstruction, however, does not reflect its pre-war character, as at that time there was a small garden with trees and shrubs. Only the magnificent chestnut tree has survived to this day.
Currently the White Stork Synagogue is a unique place on the map of Wroclaw. It was the only one to survive the times of the two totalitarian regimes and is an extraordinary monument to many generations of Wroclaw Jews. It is not only a place for Jewish ceremonies and prayers, but also for many cultural and educational events. Festivals, concerts, performances, lectures and conferences are held here. The synagogue and the courtyard constitute an important and exceptional space which, on the one hand, tells the history of Wroclaw and its pre-war heritage, and on the other, encourages the creation of a new, friendly and tolerant future in the heart of the Four Confessions District.
A small synagogue and a mikveh
An almost integral part of the White Stork Synagogue is the shul, i.e. the small synagogue. For many years, during the communist period, it was the main meeting and prayer place for Wroclaw Jews. The shul, established at the beginning of the 20th century, was still used by German Jews, but its condition deteriorated during the war and the difficult post-war period. That is why in 2015 a general renovation of the small synagogue took place, which brought it to its splendor and revealed its characteristic architectural elements. Additionally, in the windows that overlook the courtyard, there are stained glass windows designed by the Wroclaw artist Mira Żelechower-Aleksiun.
One of the main decorations of the synagogue is its ceiling covered with Art Nouveau polychrome, which has been successfully restored. The original appearance of the wooden elements at the ceiling has also been recreated, and enhances the aesthetic experiences. After the renovation, the shul was equipped with the necessary elements – including bimah, Torah ark, Elijah’s chair, benches and a library, so that regular prayers, celebrations, as well as meetings and lectures can take place there. All elements of the decor have been adapted to the original Art Nouveau aesthetics of the interior, owing to which the shul performs not only a religious function, but also an important historical function by referring to the heritage of the pre-war Jewish community.
Menorah in the shul
The mikveh, or ritual bathhouse, was established at the White Stork Synagogue in 1901 and served the German Jewish community until the times of Nazism, and after the war it was used until 1968. Although it was not damaged during the war, its condition deteriorated significantly in the post-war period. The ritual baths in the mikveh are the basis of the spiritual life of Orthodox Jews, so its renovation was necessary for both historical and religious reasons. The renovation of the rooms was successfully completed in 2018, and today the mikveh serves as a place for ritual baths and a space for exhibitions and lectures.