Small Synagogue in Wrocław

The Small Synagogue in Wrocław, also called the shul, stands at 9 Pawła Włodkowica Street, right next to the White Stork Synagogue. It is one of the city's two active synagogues.

Uncertain beginnings

The pre-war history of the building is not known, so it has become accepted that the synagogue was established in 1945 in the building of the Jewish Religious Community, formerly the Congregation of the Mosaic Faith. However, the richly decorated ceiling, not found in the community's other buildings, suggests that the prayer house may have existed here even before the war.

Post-war history

After 1968 it was the only active synagogue in Wrocław, and services were held there only occasionally due to the collapse of Jewish life in Poland. Today services are held regularly on every Shabbat and Jewish holiday. The interior seats 50 people.

The 2015 renovation

On the initiative of the Bente Kahan Foundation, the synagogue's interior was thoroughly renovated. The historic Art Nouveau ceiling was restored, and the Torah ark, bimah, cabinets and chandeliers were replaced. The middle window of the shul features, on the outside, a stained-glass window by Mira Żelechower-Aleksiun.

Practical information

• Address: 9 Pawła Włodkowica Street in Wrocław, close to Wrocław's Market Square
• Services are held regularly on Shabbats and Jewish holidays; it is worth checking the times before a visit
• The Old Jewish Cemetery is also in the same area