The White Stork Synagogue in Wrocław

The White Stork Synagogue in Wrocław, designed by Carl Ferdinand Langhans, is not only a place of prayer but also an important center of Jewish culture. Since the opening of the Center for Jewish Education and Culture in 2005, the synagogue has become a hub of cultural activity, offering exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and theatrical performances, making it a significant part of Wrocław's social and cultural life. The building, constructed in the neoclassical style, features richly decorated facades, projections, and neo-Romanesque women's galleries. Its interior is adorned with an Aron ha-kodesh (Torah ark), whose elaborate ornamentation stands out against the modest prayer spaces. The history of the synagogue dates back to 1790, when the first proposals for its construction were made, though they faced resistance from the local community. Construction finally began in 1827, and the synagogue opened in 1829 as a private synagogue for the liberal First Fraternal Society. After World War II, the synagogue went through numerous upheavals, including being converted into a warehouse and workshop, and its interior was destroyed during Kristallnacht. Its history is marked by dramatic turns, and in the 1960s and 1970s, it fell into ruin and became a target of vandalism. It was not until the 1990s that efforts were made to renovate it and restore it to religious life. In recent years, the synagogue has gained new cultural functions, becoming a place of dialogue and a repository of memory for the history of Jews in Wrocław, as well as an important landmark on the city's cultural map. It is worth noting that the synagogue is listed in the national register of historical monuments, highlighting its architectural and historical significance. In 2008, it was visited by the 14th Dalai Lama, underscoring its international importance and role in fostering intercultural dialogue.