Notre-Dame de Nazareth Synagogue
What's special about the Nazareth Synagogue?
The Synagogue Nazareth is the oldest of Paris' major synagogues. It belongs to the Consistoire central israélite de France.
How do I get to the Synagogue Nazareth?
You can reach the Synagogue Nazareth via the “Temple” metro station, which serves the site.
What is the history of the Nazareth Synagogue?
The synagogue has a fascinating history. In 1819, the Ashkenazi Jewish community of Paris acquired land between Rue Neuve-Saint-Laurent and Rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth to build a synagogue, which was inaugurated in 1822. In 1850, as the original building threatened to collapse, it was demolished and rebuilt thanks to donations from Baron James de Rothschild.
Who designed the architecture of the Nazareth Synagogue?
The synagogue was built to plans by architect Sandrié de Jouy, then rebuilt in 1850 to plans by architect Alexandre Thierry.
What are the synagogue's architectural details?
The synagogue is designed in neo-Moorish style and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers. The interior paintings and stained-glass windows were restored to their original condition around 2000. The twelve windows symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of the rose window on the synagogue's façade?
The façade of the synagogue features a rose window with a Star of David at its center. It is located below the clock.
How are men and women separated in the synagogue?
The synagogue has two floors of galleries for women, supported by cast-iron columns. These are only used on major holidays. During normal weeks and on Shabbat, men and women share the first floor to the left and right.
Why is the synagogue called “Nazareth”?
The synagogue is exceptionally called “Nazareth” because of the Christian reference in the street name. Usually, Parisian synagogues are named after the street on which they are located.
What is the historical significance of the Nazareth Synagogue?
The Nazareth Synagogue was the site of an attack in 1941 during the Second World War, organized by the Mouvement Social Révolutionnaire (MSR). Unfortunately, the synagogue's chief rabbi, Joseph Saks, and his wife were arrested and deported. The synagogue also became a place of worship for the Sephardic rite, due to the influx of Jews from North Africa into the neighborhood.
Is the synagogue protected as a historic monument?
Yes, the Nazareth Synagogue has been listed as a historic monument since 1986, replaced by a classification order on April 29, 2019.
Where is the Nazareth Synagogue located?
The Nazareth Synagogue is located at 15 rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris.
Notre-Dame de Nazareth Synagogue website
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