Uniqueness as an artistic and architectural form Wooden synagogues of the former Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth

jedwabne synagogue

the wooden synagogue original architectural genre drew on several models, including poland s wooden building traditions , central plan, masonry synagogues in 4 massive masonry pillars define bimah rise support roof vaulting. central pillars support vaulting of handful of wooden synagogues. instead, in wooden synagogues vaulting , domes suspended elaborate roof trusses. common features shared wooden synagogues include independence of pitched roof design of interior domed ceiling. outside of wooden synagogue gave no hint of domes , multiple, baroque vaults found within. exteriors decidedly plain, giving no hint of riot of carving, painting, domes, balconies , vaulting inside. architectural interest of exterior lay in large scale of buildings, multiple, horizontal lines of tiered roofs, , carved corbels supported them. elaborate domed , vaulted ceilings known raki (hebrew sky or firmament) , painted blue sprinkled stars. bimah placed in center of room. wooden synagogues featured single, large hall. in contrast contemporary churches, there no apse. moreover, while contemporary churches featured imposing vestibules, entry porches of wooden synagogues low annex, simple lean-to roof. in these synagogues, emphasis on constructing single, large, high-domed worship space.

according art historian stephen s. kayser, wooden synagogues of poland painted , carved interiors original , organic manifestation of artistic expression—the real jewish folk art in history .

wooden synagogue in jurbarkas

according louis lozowick, writing in 1947, wooden synagogues unique because, unlike previous synagogues, not built in architectural style of region , era, in newly evolved , uniquely jewish style, making them original folk expression , originality not lie alone in exterior architecture, lies equally in beautiful , intricate wood carving of interior .

moreover, while in many parts of world jews proscribed entering building trades , practicing decorative arts of painting , woodcarving, wooden synagogues built jewish craftsmen. other research points synagogues being made christian master builders. example history of gwoździec synagogue unknown , portions of structure date 1650. original structure built in regional style exhibiting both jewish , polish vernacular architecture. in 18th century there dramatic reconfiguration of prayer hall ceiling. believed first cupola of kind. timber framers unknown presumed christian master builders since until 19th century jews excluded trade. liturgical paintings made jewish artists. isaac, son of rabbi judah leib ha cohen , israel, son of rabbi mordecai, have inscribed names on paintings in western ceiling.

the interior vaulting of wolpa synagogue described art historians maria , kazimierz piechotka having been magnificent of known wooden ceilings in europe. of course, since christians free build brick , stone, few european buildings of scale of wolpa synagogue ever built in wood. walls of main hall 7.2 meters high. vaulting, under three-tiered roof, rose height of fourteen meters in 3 tiers marked fancy balustrades. each tier made of several curving sections faced in wooden paneling form graceful, tiered , vaulted dome. vaulted ceiling supported 4 wooden corner columns rose form bimah, , trusses in roof.

art historian ori z. soltes points out wooden synagogues, unusual period in being large, identifiably jewish buildings not hidden in courtyards or behind walls, built not during jewish intellectual golden age in time , place local jewish population equal or greater christian population .