High Synagogue (Kraków)

High Synagogue is an inactive Orthodox Judaism synagogue in Kazimierz District of Kraków, Poland. It was called the High (or Tall) Synagogue for many centuries for it was the tallest synagogue in the city. It was built in 1556-1563 in a Romanesque style, with arched windows, and exterior buttresses supporting the walls. It was the third synagogue to be erected in Kazimierz. Originally, the prayer rooms were located on the second floor above ground floor shops. The interior walls of the sanctuary feature paintings of scenes in Jerusalem, including the "Tomb of the Israelite Kings," "Western Wall," and a handsome pair of lions in the women's gallery.Rabbi Eliezer Gurary, [http://www.wejew.com/media/1499/Krakow_High_Synagogue/ Krakow High Synagogue] WEJEW Mediashare Community, 2008 New Israel Media L.P.] Rebecca Weiner, [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Cracow.html High or (Tall) Synagogue] The Virtual Jewish History Tour]

During the occupation of Poland in World War II, Nazis stripped the interior of all equipment. The ceiling and roof were destroyed. At present only the stone niche for the Aron Kodesh and the wall-paintings uncovered early in the twenty-first century by art conservation remain. Gabled-windowed top floor, synagogue ceiling and roof were renovated in 2008 as part of the ongoing repairs.

The High serves as a Landmark Conservation building. Since 2005 it has been open to visitors. Photographic and other exhibitions about customs and traditions of the Jewish community of the interwar period are staged indoors.The Jewish Krakow, [http://www.jewishkrakow.net/en/synagogues/high The High Synagogue: ul. Jozefa 38] ]

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