Berlin - Rykestrasse

Summary: In the late 19th century, in order to accommodate Berlin’s growing Jewish population, the official Berlin Jewish community, whose purpose was to oversee Jewish community and religious life in the whole city, purchased land on Rykestrasse for a new synagogue. Construction began in 1903, and the synagogue was inaugurated amid great festivity on September 4, 1904. Some said that the synagogue, which was located in the courtyard of a multi-story house—the same building also contained living quarters for a teacher and a school for religious studies—mildly resembled a Protestant church. Although the niche built for an organ was never used, men and women sat together during services. On Pogrom Night (November 1938), the interior of the synagogue was demolished; the ensuing fire, however, was quickly extinguished to prevent damage to adjoining properties. The Jewish community repaired the building, and the synagogue reopened on Passover Eve 1939. Later, in 1942, the site was sold for a ridiculously low price. After the war, the synagogue—the only one in East Berlin—was reopened. Following the reunification of the city, and after extensive restoration work, the synagogue (now with 1,074 seats) was rededicated on August 31, 2007. On November 9, 2008, in a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Pogrom Night, Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the synagogue and addressed a capacity crowd.

Author / Sources: Fred Gottlieb; Sources: LJG, SIB