On a crisp February Sunday morning, a group of international scholars gathered before the Jewish Museum in Prague, braving the cold to embark on a remarkable journey through the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, Josefov. Organized by the Welcome Centre for International Scholars, this guided tour provided a deep dive into the rich and complex history of Prague’s Jewish community, exploring centuries of heritage, resilience, and remembrance.
Our visit began at the Maisel Synagogue, an architectural gem of the Renaissance period. Originally built in 1592 by Mordecai Maisel, a prominent figure in Prague’s Jewish community, the synagogue now serves as an exhibition space for the Jewish Museum. Here, we delved into the history of Jewish settlement in Bohemia, learning about the socio-political and cultural developments that shaped the community over the centuries.
The next stop was the Pinkas Synagogue, which proved to be the most emotionally challenging part of the tour. Dedicated to the memory of nearly 80,000 Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia, its walls are inscribed with their names—a stark and poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of the Nazi occupation. As we walked through the halls, the weight of history was palpable, and many of us found ourselves deeply moved by the stories of those who once lived in Prague but were forcibly displaced to concentration camps.
From there, we stepped into the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the most evocative sites in Prague. With gravestones stacked atop one another due to space constraints, this hauntingly beautiful burial ground is the final resting place of over 12,000 individuals. As we wandered through the cemetery, we learned about the significance of various symbols adorning the gravestones—each carrying unique meanings that reflect the lives and legacies of those buried there.
Our journey continued to the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Europe and a site steeped in legend. Built in the late 13th century, it remains a center of religious life in Prague and is famously linked to the legend of the Golem of Prague, a mythical clay figure created by Rabbi Loew to protect the Jewish community.
Finally, our tour concluded at the Spanish Synagogue, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its stunning Moorish Revival design. Unlike other synagogues, this one houses a grand organ—a rare feature in Jewish places of worship. We learned about its significance and the reasons behind its presence, adding yet another layer to our understanding of Jewish life in Prague.
Despite the biting cold, none of us regretted stepping out early on a Sunday morning for this experience. The tour was both educational and deeply moving, offering us a rare glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations of Prague’s Jewish community. As we departed, we carried with us a newfound appreciation for this historic quarter and the indelible stories it preserves.