Nová Cerekev

Permanent exhibition “Synagogue Architecture in the Czech Lands”

Along with the synagogue’s revitalization, a permanent exhibition on the history of synagogue architecture, inclu­ding information on the most important synagogues in

the Czech lands from the Middle Ages until the 20th century, was installed on the ground floor and in the gallery. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the most distinc­tive style in syna­gogue architecture was the baroque style. At the time, many synagogues were decorated with priceless baroque wall paintings featuring opulent floral motifs and the texts of Hebrew prayers. After the emanci­pation of the Jews in 1848, many large synagogues were built in various historical styles, often on large cities’ main boulevards. These lavish buildings were the first victims of the Nazi terror. During the Second World War, some 70 synagogues were burnt or torn down by the Nazis or destroyed during the final battles. Another 105 synagogues were demolished during the 40 years of communist rule. Today, some 200 syna­gogue buildings have been preserved in the Czech Republic, although most of them have been converted into housing or been completely altered for different purposes. Some are used as houses of worship by Protestant churches. Only seven synagogues (in Prague, Brno, Plzeň and Liberec) are used for religious services by the Jewish community. The Jewish cemetery The Jewish cemetery in Nová Cerekev was established before the year 1676 near the synagogue and the Jewish quarter. In 1866 it was expanded by the addition of a new parcel containing a neo-Gothic ceremonial hall and an entrance from the road. Both cemeteries were used by the Jewish community from Pelhřimov and from other nearby towns and villages. The cemetery’s new section contains the grave of Pelhřimov rabbi Karel Freud (1858–1936), as well as the modern columned urn tomb designed by architect Bedřich Feuerstein for the important local modern painter Alfred Justitz (1879–1934).