Obj. ID: 25125
Jewish Architecture Synagogue in Enschede, The Netherlands
The monumental synagogue complex was constructed in a symmetrical manner. The three building segments of the complex are provided with a dome of which the central dome towers above the surrounding architecture. The synagogue complex includes small prayer rooms, classrooms, administrative spaces, a mikveh and residence for the Rabbi and Jewish tutor.
The synagogue replaced an older synagogue (dated ca. 1865) which was located along the Stadsgravenstraat. A new proposed design was created by the architect K. P. C. de Bazel in 1918/19. After the death of de Bazel, the design of the synagogue was taken over by the architect A. P. Smits. The building plan of the complex was expanded but the rectangular-shaped assembly hall, topped by a large twelve-sided dome, as designed by de Bazel, was left unchanged. The ornamental details of the architecture are reminiscent of Egyptian and oriental building styles.
The interior is adorned with symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Star of David and the signs of the Zodiac. The Torah is positioned in a niche and is flanked by columns placed against the wall. Above the Torah ark the wings of cherubim are depicted and refer to the cherubim statues found in the design of the Temple of Solomon. In between the cherubim wings, a Hebrew inscription can be found which refers to Psalm 29:9. The bimah is situated in the center of the assembly hall. The synagogue can hold approximately 600 congregants of which 200 seats are located in the women’s gallery. The main entrance of the synagogue contains the Hebrew inscription of Isaiah 56:7.
The building was consecrated as for Jewish religious services in the year 1928. It was renovated by the architect S. B. de Boer in 2001/03. The same architect designed the cemetery chapel of Enschede along the Noord Esmarkerrondweg which was designed in a similar architectural style.
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6 image(s)
sub-set tree:
van Agt, J.F., Edward van Voolen. Synagogen in Nederland (Hilversum: Gooi and Sticht, 1988)
van Voolen, Edward, Paul Meijer. Synagogen van Nederland (Zutphen: Walburg Pers, 2006)