Keszthely Synagogue
Encyclopedia
The Keszthely Synagogue is a synagogue
in Keszthely
, Hungary
.
The synagogue was originally built in 1852 in the neo-classical style. The shape was altered in 1894 when the building was remodeled in the spirit of eclecticism
. In 1898 an organ built by Sándor Országh was installed.
The building has undergone a number of renovations - in 1930, in 1945 and in 1967. In 1987 part of the ceiling collapsed and as a result planning began in 1991 to fully renovate the building. Full renovation work started in 1993, and the synagogue was reconsecrated on July 7, 1995 in the presence of the President of the Republic Árpád Göncz
and the Chief Rabbi Tamás Raj. In 1997 its painted decorations and work on the facade was also completed.
The building was erected according to tradition on a lower level as compared to its surroundings. Its East-West length, breadth and height are almost equal. The inside is surrounded on 3 sides by a gallery for women supported by iron columns. The original neo-classical architecture is still preserved on the East side of the synagogue.
. The Pethő House located on Kossuth Lajos Street #22, and through which the synagogue is currently accessed, is the oldest building in Keszthely and is also notable as being the birthplace of composer Károly Goldmark in 1830. Károly Goldmark's father was the cantor at the synagogue.
in the early 18th century. According to the town census, there were 7 Jewish families by 1745. A functioning Jewish community was established in Keszthely in 1766. A map of 1769 depicts an oblong house of Jews on the main street with a chapel in the yard. The community erected a synagogue on this site designed by architect Christopher Hofstadter. In 1812, the Jewish community purchased the building from the domain and in 1852 built the current building in its place.
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
in Keszthely
Keszthely
Keszthely is a Hungarian city of 21,100 inhabitants located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. It's the second largest city by the lake after Siófok....
, Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
.
The synagogue was originally built in 1852 in the neo-classical style. The shape was altered in 1894 when the building was remodeled in the spirit of eclecticism
Eclecticism
Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases.It can sometimes seem inelegant or...
. In 1898 an organ built by Sándor Országh was installed.
The building has undergone a number of renovations - in 1930, in 1945 and in 1967. In 1987 part of the ceiling collapsed and as a result planning began in 1991 to fully renovate the building. Full renovation work started in 1993, and the synagogue was reconsecrated on July 7, 1995 in the presence of the President of the Republic Árpád Göncz
Árpád Göncz
Árpád Göncz is a Hungarian liberal politician and former President of Hungary . Göncz played a role in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956...
and the Chief Rabbi Tamás Raj. In 1997 its painted decorations and work on the facade was also completed.
The building
The building was originally accessed via a narrow mew from Fejér György Street where the Jewish School once stood. Today it is accessed through the archway of Pethő House located on Kossuth Lajos Street #22.The building was erected according to tradition on a lower level as compared to its surroundings. Its East-West length, breadth and height are almost equal. The inside is surrounded on 3 sides by a gallery for women supported by iron columns. The original neo-classical architecture is still preserved on the East side of the synagogue.
History of the Site
A building and the surrounding land on which the synagogue now stands had been owned by the Pethő family who acquired it by royal donation in 1427. In 1739 it was purchased by Christopher FesteticsFestetics
Festetics is a noble Hungarian family, prominent during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.On August 8, 1746, Josef and Kristof Festetics added de Tolna to their surname...
. The Pethő House located on Kossuth Lajos Street #22, and through which the synagogue is currently accessed, is the oldest building in Keszthely and is also notable as being the birthplace of composer Károly Goldmark in 1830. Károly Goldmark's father was the cantor at the synagogue.
History of the Congregation
The first Jews settled in what is now the town of KeszthelyKeszthely
Keszthely is a Hungarian city of 21,100 inhabitants located on the western shore of Lake Balaton. It's the second largest city by the lake after Siófok....
in the early 18th century. According to the town census, there were 7 Jewish families by 1745. A functioning Jewish community was established in Keszthely in 1766. A map of 1769 depicts an oblong house of Jews on the main street with a chapel in the yard. The community erected a synagogue on this site designed by architect Christopher Hofstadter. In 1812, the Jewish community purchased the building from the domain and in 1852 built the current building in its place.