Today we visited the famous Great Synagogue on Dohany Street. The building is one of the most known historical landmark of the city being the third largest synagogue in the world. This Jewish temple was built between 1854 and 1859 and its architecture is Moorish in style; two towers flank the main building and are recognizable for their imposing height, shape and intricate design. Some parts of the building are in sync with the architecture of the city baring some Gothic, Byzantine and Romantic elements. Its unexpected architecture and the organ are not the only interesting features. In the winter of 1944-1945, a small garden next to the synagogue became the resting place for 2300 Jews buried in 23 mass graves.
Spending time in one of the archives of the Great Synagogue was a fascinating experience for me and the highlight of the day. My eyes wandered restlessly around the room where some of the oldest Jewish manuscripts were preserved while some of us were able to lend a hand with the English translation of Jewish artifacts for the online exhibit.
I will always appreciate this week in Budapest because had it not been for this trip, I would not have had the chance the appreciate the richness of the history of one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe.
