A few weeks ago, Dóra, a visitor to this blog, very kindly helped out with explaining the picture which should rightly be called Klatsch und Tratsch, but was translated as Visiting the Neighbours in Winter. Since they we have exchanged cards and I have been very lucky to receive this card showing the cupola of the Synagogue of Szeged.
The synagogue was built in 1900-1903 and is the 8th largest synagogue in the world. It can hold 1340 seats. The cupola symbolises the universe. The 24 columns are the 24 hours of the day. The yellow-brown ornament with flowers is the earth and the blue glass windows with stars symbolise the sun. At the centre of it all is the Star of David. The four Hebrew words mean three concepts: the Torah, labour and charity.
During WWII, 6600 Jews were deported from Szeged but only 1500 returned. There is a memorial to them in the synagogue.
You can see more of the building on YouTube.
Isn't that a work of art? Admittedly, it has been some time since I've been out synagoguing around (especially in Eastern Europe) but if this kind of architecture is typical of Hungary, I've been missing out and I need to try harder. I looked at your link and some of the other architecture and, let me tell you, Eastern Europe is a well-kept secret from America. Shhhhh. Simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, isn't it? There are just so many places I'd love to see and now this is added to the list.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. I would like to see it in person, though the photo is a little easier on the neck.
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