On Wednesday, March 19, we visited the synagogue and the Jewish Community Museum on Heydukova Street with our graduating students. The synagogue on Heydukova Street is the only preserved synagogue in Bratislava and also the best example of Cubist architecture in the city. It is located near the historic city center and was built between 1923 and 1926, at a time when the Jewish residents of the city lived in various parts of Bratislava, beyond just the Jewish Street. In 1921, there were 10,973 Jews living in Bratislava, which led the Orthodox community to decide to build a new synagogue. The project was designed by the Bratislava-based Jewish architect Artur Szalatnai-Slatinský, and the construction was completed in 1926.

During our visit, we learned interesting facts about Jewish faith, traditions, and holidays, as well as the history of the Jewish community in Bratislava—from the Middle Ages through the Holocaust to the present day. We were guided by the knowledgeable and kind lecturer, Mr. Ivan Pasternak, who also shared his personal experience as a Holocaust survivor.

Organized by: Jana Šišmišová

Link: Židovské komunitné múzeum, Bratislava: Úvod (synagogue.sk)