Tempel (Synagogue), Ivano-Frankivsk

It turns out that among the most interesting monuments in Ivano-Frankivsk are not only Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches and chapels, but also an Armenian cathedral and even an ancient Reform synagogue, the Tempel. The history and modern life of this unique building is explored in this article.

Tempel means "shrine" in Yiddish. It was decided to be built in 1887 by members of the Jewish progressive community Alexander Wittel and Elias Fischer. At that time, the majority of the population of the Carpathian towns were Jews. One part of the Jews advocated active participation in the life of the country where they lived, the right to education, and so on. They were called the Union of Progress or reformists. However, the majority were Orthodox Jews who carefully observed all religious laws. They opposed the reforms and forbade progressives to enter synagogues.

This prompted the Progressives to build their own temple in Stanislaviv, now Ivano-Frankivsk. Vice Mayor Artur Nimhin helped to ensure that Fish Square, where fish was actually sold at the time, was allocated for construction. The design of the Ivano-Frankivsk temple was created by the famous architect Wilhelm Stryasny, who also built synagogues in Vienna and Prague.

In June 1895, the cornerstone of the synagogue was laid with the participation of Rabbi Isak Horowitz. Interestingly, an even older slab was found with the inscription that in 1670 the Christian Church of the Introduction was founded on this site. However, this did not prevent the construction of the synagogue. Finally, on September 4, 1899, the synagogue was inaugurated in the presence of the city authorities and the Jewish community.

In the 20s of the 20th century it was restored and the interior was painted with new frescoes. However, during the Second World War, the Tempel of Ivano-Frankivsk almost burned down and was severely damaged. On November 17, 1943, the Nazis shot 27 members of the OUN near the ruins of the synagogue, which is why the street is now named after the Executed Nationalists.

In 1954, the empty Tempel building was taken over by the medical institute, which decided to use the first floor of the former temple as a gym, and a lecture hall and student club were arranged on the second floor.

With the advent of Independence, the building was transferred to the Orthodox Jewish community. However, a hardware and furniture store rented some of the premises on the ground floor.

The stone sanctuary was built in the Neo-Renaissance style, with a significant influence from the Moorish style. The main hall can accommodate up to 300 worshippers (this is only seated). Once upon a time, the corners of the synagogue were crowned with four domes decorated with the Stars of David. When the Jewish temple was converted into a club, the "Moorish" towers were dismantled.

The entrance to the synagogue was located on the west side. In the main hall, there were galleries along the perimeter specially designated for women. By the way, in the eastern part of the synagogue there is an apse where the Moorish-style ark was once located. In other words, this is the sacred kyot or Aron HaKodesh, where the Torah scrolls are kept.

A few years ago, the Jewish community worked together to restore the synagogue. In addition, a hotel-museum "Pid Templom" was set up nearby. Everyone is welcome to visit this part of historic Stanislaviv.

If we compare different hotels in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Pid Templom will stand out for its combination of modern facilities with authenticity and location in the heart of the old city. The owners offer to taste original Jewish dishes in the local lobby bar.

Tempel is located in the middle of the historic center of Ivano-Frankivsk (200 meters from the City Hall) at 7a Stratshenykh Street (old name - Tobilevycha Street). From the train station, you can reach the synagogue on foot along Grunwaldska and Hrushevskoho streets, a walk that will take only 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, take a shuttle bus #24, 26, 41, 43 to the Nadezhda Hotel and walk a few more minutes through the old center to Tempel.