Restoration work at Isaac Synagogue is still ongoing. The contractor, KROZ company, is currently carrying out the replacement of damaged and salt-affected plasterwork. Despite the continuing conservation efforts, the synagogue remains open to both visitors and worshippers.
Following years of meticulous restoration, Isaac’s Synagogue in Kraków’s Kazimierz district has reopened today to pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The project not only rescued the historic building from the threat of structural collapse, but also preserved the synagogue’s remarkable stucco decorations on the vaulted ceiling with minimal intervention to its historic fabric. Although the complete restoration is expected to continue for several more years, visitors can already admire the newly restored vault of the main prayer hall — regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of Jewish architecture in Kraków. As the largest synagogue in Kazimierz, Isaac’s Synagogue remains one of the city’s most significant monuments of Jewish heritage. Visitor opening hours:• Summer season: 10:00–18:00• Winter season: 10:00–16:00• Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
At sunset on 4 May 2026, as the 18th day of Iyar 5786 began, our Community gathered to celebrate the joyful festival of Lag ba-Omer. As every year, the evening festivities took place in the courtyard of the Remuh Synagogue, bringing together members of our Community alongside Chairwoman Helena Jakubowicz and Gabai Kuba Lewinger. This year’s celebration was enriched by the presence of students from an American yeshiva, who joined us in song and celebration. A particularly memorable atmosphere was created by the beautiful performance of New York cantor Jeremiah Reichberg. The following afternoon, the celebrations continued with a community picnic held in the garden in front of the Kupa Synagogue. Accompanied by live music, members of our Community spent the evening together in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Once…
On the afternoon of Sunday, 26 April 2026, the Tempel Synagogue in Kraków’s Kazimierz district hosted a moving concert of gratitude titled The Saved: “They saved our lives and preserved our faith in humanity.” The event honored the Righteous Among the Nations—those who, during the Holocaust, found the courage to say no to hatred and risk everything to save others. The concert was conceived and organized by Kuba Rympel, a member of our community who has long been dedicated to honoring the Righteous by commemorating their deeds in many meaningful ways. The guest of honor was Ms. Janina Rościszewska—one of the last three Righteous still living in Kraków. The families of the Righteous were also in attendance. The evening was attended by distinguished guests, including Ms. Gretchen Cureton, Consul General…
On 13 April 1986, Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome, where he was welcomed by the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Elio Toaff. This marked the first time since the era of St Peter that a pope had entered a synagogue. In the address he delivered on that occasion, John Paul II spoke these significant words: “The Church condemns hatred, persecution, and every form of anti-Semitism directed against Jews—at any time and by anyone. I repeat: by anyone.” From the standpoint of historically strained relations between Jews and Christians, it was a landmark moment, and the words spoken on that occasion continue to resonate to this day with all who are deeply committed to dialogue and reconciliation. Exactly forty years later, on 13…

