The Enigma of the Old-New Synagogue

The early Gothic Old-New Synagogue of 1270, embodying Jewish wisdom and mysticism, is surrounded by many legends. Kabbalists say angels built it, bringing stones from Solomon’s ruined Temple in Jerusalem on condition that they be returned if the Temple were rebuilt. The name Old-New, German alt-neu, is said to be a corruption of the Hebrew al tnai, “conditional.” The sanctuary is also inseparably linked to Rabbi Löw’s artificial temple servant, the Golem. Ancient tradition placed his remains in the synagogue’s attic, where the “raging reporter” Egon Erwin Kisch unsuccessfully searched for them in the 1930s. The small window giving access to the attic can be seen high in the gable facing Pařížská Street. It also plays an important role in Gustav Meyrink’s famous novel The Golem.