The only synagogue in Wrocław to escape the torches of Kristallnacht, the White Stork was built in 1829, taking its name from the inn that once stood in its place. Following the design of prominent German architect Karl Ferdinand Langhans, it is ironically considered a sterling example of 18th century Protestant sacral art. Discreetly hidden from view in a courtyard between ul. Antoniego and ul. Włodkowica, today the surrounding grounds are full of beer gardens, bohemians, and tourists; however, it was here that members of the Jewish community were rounded up for deployment to the death camps during WWII. Badly damaged, but not set ablaze (thanks only to its proximity to residential buildings), the synagogue was literally left to rot after the war, before the Jewish community was finally able to recover it from the Polish government in 1996 and initiate restoration. Re-opened in May 2010, the synagogue now serves as a worship space, cultural centre, and branch of the Jewish Information Centre, with a new multi-functional hall in the synagogue's basement and two exhibition spaces on the balconies. One houses a permanent exhibition about the History of Jews in Wrocław and Lower Silesia, while the second balcony is for temporary exhibitions.
City Essentials
Comments
David Bowes
Wayne NJ
My Father, Eric Bowes (born Brauer) had much to do with the transfer of the White Stork from the local Catholic authorities who insisted it was their communal property. Once transferred in middle 90's, my Dad strived to save this building (his bar mitzvah shul) from collapse. New foundation, plumbing, electrical plus the lighted housing on roof containing Jewish star for all to see. Photos of 2010 interior renovation is almost unbelievable compared to the decayed hulk my Dad, 16 yr old son and I made to participate in the re-dedication of the building BACK to Jewish ownership 60 years to the day of Kristalnacht!. It is a miracle.
hugo cavendish
Am Yisroel Chai!
Barry Willig
Philadelphia
Based on the most recent statistics, it appears that the Jewish community of Wroclaw is still holding its own at 1,000.
barry Willig
USA PA,
Do the Silesian Jews of Wroclaw speak both Polish and German? Is the White Stork Synagogue Reform or Orthodox? Is the jewish community of 1000 growing or declining?