Berlin Synagogue
Reopening
The reopening of the largest German synagogue at the Rykestrasse in Berlin will take place on Aug. 31. This picture captions a window with citations of the Genesis in Hebrew and German, which is located in the main hall of the synagogue.
Main Hall
The Synagogue was confiscated by the Nazis in 1940 and underwent restoration in 1953. For almost 50 years, it was the only synagogue for the slight East Berlin Jewish community.
Hundreds of Visitors Expected
Hundreds of visitors are expected to come to the reopening, among them the German's Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble and the president of the Central Consistory of Jews, Charlotte Knobloch. The picture shows a ceiling lamp in the main hall of the synagogue at the Rykestrasse street in Berlin.
Costly Project
The total cost of the renovation cost 4,5 million euro. Colorful windows depict Jewish symbols in the main hall of the synagogue.
Renovation
The renovation lasted for two years. During the repairs, Kai J. Friedrich checked a ceiling lamp in the main hall to assure quality repair works.
Jewish Culture Days
The synagogue was built in 1904 and it houses up to 1,200 visitors. The reopening of the synagogue will also be a starting act of the 10 Days of Jewish Culture in Berlin that last until Sept. 9.
Neo-Romanesque Style
The architect Johann Hoeniger carried out the construction of the synagogue and designed the triple-nave basilica in neo-Romanesque style.
Holocaust Survivor
Werner Bab, a Holocaust survivor, was born in Oberhausen on Oct. 2, 1924 and spent most of his life in Berlin. He was a regular at the synagogue in the Rykestrasse Street.
Driving Licence
The Holocaust survivor Werner Bab shows his driving license from 1946.