Shabbat Dinner & Services

We went to the High Synagogue for Services and V Kolkovne Restaurant for traditional Czech dinner (highly recommended). https://vkolkovne.kolkovna.cz/en/

We arrived at the Jewish Quarter which still has 6 remaining working historic Synagogues within a few blocks (the Old-New, Maisel, Spanish, Pinkas, Klausen, and High Synagogues). Before experiencing their Orthodox Service, we did have some mystery finding the Synagogue. We had been pre-confirmed with the Synagogues' Security before leaving the USA but the Synagogue entrance was “difficult to find”. Finally, Karen went into a Jewish store to ask and after being grilled about how she knew there were Services and at what time and where, was told secretly in a whisper to go out and make the first two left turns and wait there. We found ourselves in front of the High Synagogue but no obvious way to get in. An armed Security person came up behind us, asked some questions, looked at our passports and then checked a list on his phone for our name, and then finally let us into another secure area inside and up to the Sanctuary for Services. Security is high but it was worth the effort and very interesting experiencing Services for Shabbat.

The Synagogue was dedicated in 1568 and the original High Renaissance style was modified over the year to a more modern Gothic Revival look. After some period of reconstruction after a fire, it was opened in 1883 until 1941 when it started being used as a warehouse during German occupation and then communist rule. From 1950-1992 it was the National Jewish Museum and the chapel finally reopened in 1997 where Services are currently held.
The building is also a midrasha, for post- high school woman to have a place to study Torah (like a yeshiva).

https://www.kehilaprag.cz/en/page/rabbinateRead more