The Nożyk Synagogue in Warsaw

The Nożyk Synagogue, located at 6 Twarda Street in Warsaw, is the only pre-war synagogue in the city that survived World War II and remains active today. It was opened on May 12, 1902, and designed in the Neo-Romanesque style with Byzantine and Moorish elements. The brick building, based on a rectangular layout, could accommodate 600 people, with separate galleries for women. The interior of the synagogue is renowned for its rich ornamentation, including pulpits and the Aron Ha-Kodesh, as well as historical commemorative plaques. During World War II, the synagogue was closed, vandalized, and used as a stable. However, it survived the war and was later restored to religious use, becoming a center of Jewish life in the capital. A series of renovations took place after the war, and between 1977 and 1983, its early 20th-century appearance was restored. The synagogue actively serves as a center of Jewish culture, hosting exhibitions and concerts, including the Warsaw Singer Jewish Culture Festival. In 2001, many Judaic artifacts stolen during the war were recovered. Despite its difficult history, the Nożyk Synagogue has become a symbol of the Jewish community in Poland and a venue for interfaith and ecumenical meetings, highlighting cooperation among different religions. Prayers at the synagogue are led by Rabbi Michael Schudrich, reinforcing its role as the spiritual center of the Jewish community in Warsaw. Interestingly, the synagogue has faced several arson attempts, but thanks to the quick response of local residents, they were successfully prevented.