Choral synagogues (Yiddish: Khorshul) were built in Eastern Europe, from Hungary to Russia.[1] These synagogues represented the ideas of Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) and made certain reforms to the traditional Jewish customs (minhag).[2] Often, they featured male choruses, conducted sermons in local languages (German, Russian, etc.), enforced order during services, decorated their interior, and placed pews facing eastern wall where the Torah ark was displayed (in traditionalist synagogues the bimah stood in the center of the room).[1][2] However, the changes did not extend to religious beliefs and customs. Therefore, the differences between choral and traditional synagogues are more aesthetic.[3][4]

Many of these synagogues were either demolished or confiscated and repurposed for other uses, particularly in the Soviet Union by the Bolsheviks after the October Revolution. During the German occupation in the Second World War, many were demolished by the Nazis or destroyed in battles and bombing raids.

Some of the surviving synagogues were renovated and returned to the local Jewish communities, particularly after the fall of Communism and the collapse of the Soviet Union, while the others are used for other purposes or are in ruins.

Active choral synagogues

Defunct choral synagogues

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Krinsky, Carol Herselle. "Synagogue Architecture". The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe. YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  2. 1 2 Meir, Natan M. (2010). Kyiv, Jewish Metropolis: A History, 1859-1914. Indiana University Press. p. 172. ISBN 9780253222077.
  3. ↑ Levin, Vladimir (2010). "A Historical Overview". Synagogues in Lithuania. A Catalogue. Vol. I. Vilnius Academy of Arts Press. p. 27. ISBN 978-9955-854-60-9.
  4. ↑ Vladimir Levin (2020). "Reform or Consensus? Choral Synagogues in the Russian Empire". Arts. 9: 1–49. doi:10.3390/arts9020072.
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