White Stork Synagogue Reopens Doors
The White Stork synagogue, the only synagogue in Wroclaw to have survived the war, has reopened its doors after years of extensive renovation. Four days of concerts, art exhibitions, and religious services starting 6 May marked this significant moment 14 years after the synagogue was returned to the Jewish community in 1996. First opened in 1829, the synagogue's war-time demise coincided with the tragic events of Kristallnacht when Nazis raided the synagogue and destroyed its interior. It is believed that the only reason the White Stork was not burnt down, as was the case with the now non-existent grand synagogue, was because of its close proximity to residential buildings.
Before the Second World War, Wroclaw, then part of Germany, was home to the country's third-largest Jewish community- only a tiny fraction of that amount remains today. Nevertheless, the community has been extremely active in returning the White Stork to its former glory. With the help of Polish-Norwegian Jewish singer Bente Kahan, funds were raised to finish renovations and support and promote Jewish culture through educational and cultural programs.
Over 800 people attended the reopening ceremony of the White Stork led by Rabbi Yitzhak Rapoport, including the chief rabbi of Poland, as well as several representatives from Israeli and local government. Closing the weekend-long event was a performance by cantor Joseph Malovany with the White Stork Synagogue Choir and the Wroclaw Philharmonic Orhcestra.
The White Stork synagogue is located at ul. Wlodkowica 7 and is open for visitors on a limited basis. For more information head to the Wroclaw Centre for Jewish Culture and Education website.