Charles Liché Synagogue or Temple des Vosges

The Charles Liché Synagogue, located at 14, place des Vosges, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, is a place steeped in history in the heart of Paris.

Founded in 1963, it bears the name of its founder, Rabbi Charles Liché, who played a crucial role in preserving the memory of the Holocaust.

Who was Rabbi Charles Liché and what role did he play in the creation of the Charles Liché Synagogue?

Rabbi Charles Liché, whose birth name was Charles Lichenstein, was a man devoted to his community. He was the hazzan (cantor) of the Synagogue des Tournelles, whose rabbi at the time was Rabbi Dr. David Feuerwerker. When the consistory decided to change the rite of this synagogue from Ashkenazi to Sephardic, Liché continued to be the hazzan of the Synagogue des Tournelles for some time. Later, he began organizing religious services, or minianes, in the former premises of the Cercle d'Études du Marais, on the 1st floor of 14 place des Vosges, thus giving birth to the Charles Liché synagogue.

What was the motivation behind renaming the synagogue in honor of Rabbi Charles Liché?

Initially known as the Synagogue de la place des Vosges, it was renamed on June 16, 2006 in honor of its founder, Rabbi Charles Liché. This decision was taken to pay tribute to his commitment to his community and in recognition of his status as an Auschwitz survivor. Rabbi Liché dedicated his life to preserving the memory of the Holocaust, and this name change was a token of gratitude to him.

What role did Rabbi Charles Liché play after the Second World War?

Rabbi Charles Liché was appointed Rabbi of the Deportees, a purely honorary title, in recognition of his services to the Jewish community after the Second World War. He devoted much of his life to commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and ensuring that their legacy would not be forgotten.

Who succeeded Rabbi Charles Liché after his death?

After Rabbi Liché's death, Olivier Kaufmann was appointed Rabbi of the Charles Liché Synagogue. He has taken on the responsibility of guiding the community and continuing the work of Holocaust remembrance initiated by his predecessor.
Rabbi Olivier Kaufmann is Chief Rabbi of France and was appointed director of the Séminaire israélite de France (SIF) in Paris on January 15, 2013.

What major annual event takes place at the Synagogue Charles Liché?

Every year, the Synagogue Charles Liché hosts a commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz camps. This event is of major importance in remembering the horrors of the Holocaust and honoring the memory of the millions of victims of this genocide.

The Charles Liché Synagogue, anchored in the Hôtel de Ribault on Place des Vosges, remains a symbol of the Jewish community's unwavering commitment to preserving the history and memory of the Holocaust. It also perpetuates Rabbi Charles Liché's legacy as an Auschwitz survivor and fervent defender of that memory.

Back to the list of churches and synagogues in the Marais