Altneuschul

The Altneuschul is a 13th Century synagogue in Prague, Czech Republic.

History

The Altneuschul was the site where, in 1580, Rabbi Loew activated the Golem to defend the Jewish community from its various enemies. Some time later, it was later stored in the attic with access hidden by a bookcase.

In 1996, the synagogue suffered damage when Tomas Brod blew open a window in the attic to steal the dormant Golem. ("Golem")

Real World Background

Known in English as the Old New Synagogue, it is currently the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Completed in 1270, it is famous for its gothic architecture and its association with the historical Rabbi Loew ben Bezalel who, according to legend fashioned a Golem that is believed to still be hidden away in the synagogue's attic. Despite renovations and exploration of the attic in 1883 and 2014, no Golem is reported to have been found. Nevertheless, the space remains closed to the public, with the lowest rungs of the outside ladder that provide access to the attic space removed entirely.

See Also

• Altneuschul at Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia