Then home to Europe’s largest population of Jews, pre-war Warsaw could boast in excess of 400 synagogues and Jewish places of worship.

All were closed following a German decree issued in January of 1940, and though three were allowed to resume operations the following May, only one would survive the occupation and subsequent destruction of Warsaw.

Located on Twarda 6, the story of the Nożyk Synagogue began in 1898. It was then that Zalman Nożyk, a wealthy merchant with a succesful haberdashery business, purchased the plot of land and, along with his wife, Rywka, initiated proceedings to build a synagogue.

Purportedly designed by Leandro Marconi, a prolific architect whose other Warsaw projects included palaces on Ujazdowskie and Foksal, as well as the Great Synagogue on today’s Pl. Bankowy, it was built with a capacity for 600 people.

Officially opened on May 25th, 1902, it immediately won favor. A report in the Israelite gushed: “this synagogue meets modern requirements in every respect.

Impressive, but kept within the boundaries of good taste, its appearance, both inside and outside, as well as its wide spaces, and good ventilation and acoustics, prove that a skillful hand was at work here.”

Zalman Nożyk died in 1903, and his wife eleven years later, and in accordance with their wishes it passed into the hands of the Warsaw Jewish Community – also leaving a substantial amount of money for its upkeep, the couple’s only condition was that it would retain the name Nożyk.

Used primarily by richer residents – many of whom had bought permanent seats, the synagogue was briefly used as a stable by the Nazis, as well as a storehouse for animal feed.

Absorbed into the so-called Aryan side of Warsaw after the size of the Jewish Ghetto was reduced, it was this circumstance that ultimately save it from demolition.

Others that remained within the Ghetto’s borders found themselves razed to the ground when the Nazis set about the methodical destruction of the former Jewish district.

Though it sustained significant damage during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the structure failed to topple and, in July of 1945, its battered shell hosted a symbolic service.

Provisionally repaired in 1951, it again faced closure in 1968 following the mass emigration sparked by the government’s anti-Zionist campaign. Reopened in 1983 on the 50^th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, today the synagogue has assumed a central role in the city’s Jewish rebirth.

The Singer Festival

First held in 2004, the Festival of Jewish Culture (or Singer’s Warsaw as it’s known by many) has grown to become one of the city’s biggest annual events. Held for the 19^th time, this year the festival will run from August 27^th until September 4^th.

In light of current events, more artists than ever before have been invited over from Ukraine, and whilst most performances will take place in the Jewish Theater, the Nożyk Synagogue will also host several gala concerts.

Those booked to appear include cantors Nachman Turgeman and Netanel Olivtski, the Bastard Trio and the Harmonium Duo. Other participating venues include Teatr Kwadrat, the Austrian Cultural Forum and the Yiddish Cultural Centre. For further details, see: shalom.org.pl

(Photos: Kevin Demaria)