List of choral synagogues

Choral synagogues (Yiddish: Khorshul‎) were built in Eastern Europe, from Hungary to Russia.[1] These synagogues represented the ideas of Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) and made certain reforms to the traditional Jewish customs (minhag).[2] Often, they featured male choruses, conducted sermons in local languages (German, Russian, etc.), enforced order during services, decorated their interior, and placed pews facing eastern wall where the Torah ark was displayed (in traditionalist synagogues, the ark and bimah stood in the center of the room).[1][2] However, the changes did not extend to religious beliefs and customs. Therefore, the differences between choral and traditional synagogues are more aesthetic.[3]

Active choral synagogues

Defunct choral synagogues

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Krinsky, Carol Herselle. "Synagogue Architecture". The YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe. YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  2. 1 2 Meir, Natan M. (2010). Kiev, Jewish Metropolis: A History, 1859-1914. Indiana University Press. p. 172. ISBN 9780253222077.
  3. ↑ Levin, Vladimir (2010). "A Historical Overview". Synagogues in Lithuania. A Catalogue I. Vilnius Academy of Arts Press. p. 27. ISBN 978-9955-854-60-9.
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