Great Synagogue

 

 

The Great Synagogue in Iași is the oldest Jewish place of worship in Romania. The date of construction of this building that has been declared a historical monument is not exact, but it is generally accepted that the building was erected around 1670.

 

In the work "Descriptio Moldaviae", Dimitrie Cantemir writes a passage in which he explains that the Jews could build a synagogue where they wanted, but the condition was to be made of wood, not stone. Thus, the mosaic place of worship in the beginning was built of wood. One of the laws of Jewish culture says that the synagogue must be the tallest building in the neighborhood, but in Iasi it could not be taller than the Metropolitan Cathedral. Under these conditions, the Great Synagogue was built on earth, this decision being supported by a psalm verse "From the depths I called to you, Lord".

 

The shape and structure we know today dates back to 1823 when it was completely renovated after a year before the synagogue had been damaged by fire.
The temple consists of two naves separated by a central arch, under which is the pulpit framed in rich chandeliers. Above the porch is the women's gallery. The halls are lit by ten slightly arched windows. The interior is treated in baroque style, richly ornamented, while the exterior is of a great simplicity of lines and has no ornamentation. The strongest impact is offered by the dome with a diameter of 10 meters, at the top of which is located the Star of David.

 

Nowadays, it is one of the few places in the city where mosaic services are held, provided that at least ten men gather. The Great Synagogue is located on Str. Synagogues no. 1, in Târgu Cucu.

In front of the place of worship there is a commemorative obelisk erected in memory of the victims of the Pogrom of Iasi (June 27-30, 1941), one of the most violent acts against Jews in Romania. The Jewish community declined significantly in Iasi after World War II, with many of the survivors emigrating to the newly formed state, Israel.