Cukerman Prayer House in Będzin

The Cukerman Prayer House in Będzin, located at 24/28 Hugo Kołłątaj Avenue, is a private prayer house whose history dates back to the late 1920s or early 1930s. It was founded by Nuchim Cukerman, and the first service was held during the Passover holiday. During World War II, the interior was converted into a warehouse, which led to the destruction of the polychrome decorations. After the war, the building passed into the hands of new owners, and in 2005, thanks to the initiative of Adam Szydłowski, remnants of prayers were discovered in one of the apartments. After two years of negotiations, in 2007, the prayer house was ceremoniously opened to tourists in the presence of local authorities and the Ambassador of Israel. The Cukerman Gate Foundation, established to protect and promote this site, has listed the building in the Silesian Register of Monuments and carries out various cultural projects. Architecturally, the prayer hall has a rectangular layout and could accommodate about 30 people. Unique polychrome decorations have been preserved, including representative fragments typical of Jewish synagogues, as well as a marble foundation plaque. Interestingly, the polychrome paintings depict, among other things, the altar with showbread and a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Despite its historical turmoil, the site has become a symbol of Jewish culture in Będzin and a place of remembrance.