Mizrachi Synagogue in Będzin

The Mizrachi Synagogue in Będzin, dating back to the 19th century and located in the basement of a tenement house at 3 Potocki Street, is a unique house of prayer and an important cultural and historical site. It was founded at the end of the 19th century by a wealthy merchant, Jakub Chil Winer, and notably survived World War II without major damage. After the war, the synagogue was forgotten, and its existence remained unknown for many years until its rediscovery in 2003 by Adam Szydłowski and members of the Zagłębie Jewish Culture Center. Upon entering the synagogue in 2004, efforts began to clean and restore it, including removing coal from the main prayer hall and securing the paintings, among them works by Altek Winer depicting the Tomb of Absalom and floral motifs. Architecturally, the synagogue features a polychrome ceiling illustrating the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Star of David. Interestingly, it is one of the few synagogues in Poland where a complete cycle of zodiac signs has been preserved. The paintings align with Zionist ideology, and some inscriptions are in Yiddish, created by unknown artists. After the completion of conservation work in 2012, which cost over 120,000 złoty, the synagogue was restored and protected against moisture, allowing it to reclaim its place in the local community and Jewish culture. In 2008, its painted decorations were entered into the register of movable monuments of the Silesian Voivodeship. The Mizrachi Synagogue is not only an important historical site but also a symbol of the cultural survival of Jews in Będzin.