Obj. ID: 25266
Jewish Architecture  Synagogue in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

The synagogue, consecrated in the year 1805, replaced an older eighteenth-century synagogue and its design attributed to the architect G. van der Wielen. The building was originally adorned with a Neo-Classical façade and included a triangular pediment, rounded arched windows and was topped with a small turret. The synagogue could be used by approximately 500 congregants. The architectural layout of the building was reminiscent of the Great Synagogue in Amsterdam. The plan was square in shape and contained a central bimah, positioned between four columns. These columns supported the U-shaped gallery. As the Jewish community increased in size, the building was extended at the eastern side by F. Stoett in 1865/66. During the expansion of the synagogue, two columns were added to support the building and a new front façade was created in an eclectic architectural style. The façade contains Hebrew inscriptions referring to Psalm 45:16, Ezekiel 11:16 and the date of construction. The original small turret was removed after the expansion of the synagogue. A mikveh was built in 1865 and was located behind the synagogue (Slotmakersstraat 18-20).

The synagogue was used until 1942. After the Second World War, Jewish religious services resumed in the period between 1948 and 1965. The Neo-Classical Torah ark and bimah and two windows depicting the Stone Tablets were subsequently moved to the Kfar Batya youth village in Israel. The silver Hanukkah menorah and miscellaneous ritual objects were relocated to the Joods Historisch Museum in Amsterdam. The building was sold after it lost its religious function and was renovated in 1976/77. It is currently used as a cultural center.

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