Heritage sites owned by The Jewish Community of Prague and The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic
Around 200 synagogues and 370 Jewish cemeteries have survived to this day. They are owned by some of the ten independent Jewish communities or the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, and by cities, municipalities, some churches, and private owners. The most prominent owners and investors in the restoration and maintenance of Jewish heritage sites are The Jewish Community of Prague and the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic which have been securing such works since 1992 (2002) through the established organisation Matana a.s.
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Only some cultural heritage areas have been as severely impacted as Jewish heritage. Many Jewish heritage sites were lost in the Middle Ages after the expulsion of Jews from royal cities. However, the last 150 years feature three historical periods which have had the most significant impact on the condition and fate of Jewish heritage sites. The first relates to the move of Jewish people from rural areas into cities during the industrial developments of the late 19th century. The following historical period is the Second World War and the Holocaust, followed by the era of the socialist state, whose treatment of Jewish heritage may be compared to the stance of the Nazis. At the same time, in some areas, it surpasses it. Even though the Communist regime took pride in its approach to historical objects, the Jewish heritage sites were often not even considered as heritage. Despite the irrecoverable losses, however, Jewish heritage sites were given a new chance after 1989.
There was some documentation and heritage conservation practices of certain buildings before the First World War. However, it was not until the 1930s that the first detailed inventories of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries were created. Nevertheless, the Second World War brought an end to these endeavours. After WWII, there was no interest in restoring or maintaining Jewish heritage sites in the countries of the Socialist Bloc; instead, these sites were being demolished. Only after November 1989 was it possible to begin with systematic documentation and restoration of remaining heritage sites.
The Jewish Community of Prague annually invests millions into restoring and maintaining its heritage sites. Using various sources, especially some of the emergency programs offered by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic or the financial support of cities, municipalities, regional authorities and grants, it secures the means for repairs, reconstructions, and documentation.
Given the large number of listed heritage sites which require restoration and maintenance, we welcome any financial support from you in the form of a gift or the adoption of cemeteries and graves..
