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WINDOWS of CELEBRATIONS in the New Synagogue of Szeged

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WINDOWS OF CELEBRATIONS in the New Synagogue of Szeged REDISCOVER WINDOWS OF CELEBRATIONS in the New Synagogue of Szeged Szeged, 2020 editor Krisztina Frauhammer Anna Szentgyörgyi FOREWORD concept & translation Anna Szentgyörgyi ewish cultural heritage is a unique and valuable component of European culture, which often remains hidden in nu- Jmerous cities once home to flourishing Jewish communities before WWII. In the pre-WWII era, Europe was home to a design Jewish population around 9 M, at least a third of them living in present day’s Danube Region. Jewish diaspora communities Innovariant Nyomdaipari Kft. introduced rich cultural identity, deeply rooted traditions and remarkable community heritage, all adding great value to the hosting cities and their already existing local communities. The tragic turmoil of the mid-20th century, followed by the photography of the synagogue and its windows emigration of the surviving population in large numbers, depleted many of these communities; however, their imprints János Rómer and heritage are still there to be found. Project REDISCOVER: expose and exploit the concealed Jewish heritage of the Danube Region aims at capitalizing on this photography of archival documents legacy by creating value in social cohesion, tourism potential and cultural abundance. The main objective is to build on Anna Szentgyörgyi currently undiscovered potential in the Jewish cultural heritage of cities, having unexplored, nevertheless rich tangible and intangible heritage elements, and develop contemporary tourism solutions, while smartly arranging visibility, accessibility ISBN 978-963-89222-5-0 and sustainability. A key element of this approach is intangible heritage considered as a valid factor to create awareness and interest within the tourism sector. By enlarging the current cultural offer and making the so far hidden heritage more Publisher visible, accessible and more attractive, Szeged and the whole region will be better positioned to strengthen its cultural Municipality of Szeged economy. REDISCOVER project Following these aims, we deliver this book to the Dear Reader in which the history of making the exceptional stained DTP2-084-2.2 glass windows of the famous synagogue in Szeged is described; furthermore, the importance and the rich symbolism of the building is uncovered and the significance of its builder is highlighted. The Lead Partner of the project, Municipality of Szeged, wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the Jewish Community of Szeged to successfully accomplish the main objectives of the project, safeguarding tangible and intangible Jewish cultural heritage for the upcoming generations. Furthermore, Lead Partner wishes to express gratitude to Tibor Fényi, director of REDISCOVER Miksa Róth Memorial House, Budapest, to restorators Károly Payer and Károly Sós, to researchers Viktória Bányai and Balázs Fényes for their help to compile this book. Project co-funded by the European Union funds (ERDF, IPA) and Hungarian national funds THE NEW Major construction works of the synagogue in Szeged the act and then he SYNAGOGUE OF started in August 1900, and were finished by October 1902; handed over the how ever, inner works were still being carried out in 1903, gift of the Jewish SZEGED thus, the ceremonial opening took place on the 19th of May community, a 1903. golden ring with the picture of the The whole procedure of construction was supervised by temple embossed, the famous architect Lipót Baumhorn himself. to its builder.6 he synagogue of Szeged, considered as the masterpiece Although the second The most influential Jewish weekly paper Egyenlőség The community Tof the famous Jewish architect Lipót Baumhorn1, is the synagogue had seats (Equality) published a 7-page-long report on the opening said farewell to second largest one in Hungary and the fourth largest syna- for 440 men and 300 ceremony. ”The dedication of the new Jewish temple was its old synagogue gogue in the world. women, numerous a major celebration.” Not only the outstanding work of after the general complaints about the its era and its creators were celebrated, but the perfect assembly. Torah It’s construction started five years after Jewish religion was lack of space reached and complete harmony in which all classes and religious scrolls were taken granted equal rights with the historic Christian Churches out to the leadership congregations of the society of Szeged united.”4 The out of the ark of by law in 1895. “The synagogue is 48 m high and equally of the community in celebration started with placing the keystone.5 This event the old temple long, reflecting the elevated social status that the Jewish the second half of the was followed by the representative general assembly where and were carried Community of Szeged had achieved by the end of the 1850s.3 the portrait of the president of the Jewish community was over to the new century, being a substantial operator of local society and unveiled. Dr. Izsó Rósa von Várhely was deeply moved by building by people economy. The number of its members rose ten times in the As a result, decision singing in a festive | 4 period of 1850 – 1910.”2 was made to build a march. The famous cantor Mór Schorr conducted the choir more monumental Jewish people were allowed to settle in Szeged by the local and the musical programme. Three young women, dressed and impressive syn- council in 1786. The first synagogue of the growing commu- in white, carried the key to the new building on a velvet agogue by the local nity, seating 129 men and 99 women, had been built on the pillow. Architect Lipót Baumhorn received the silver key Jewish community in plot of the New Synagogue between 1800 and 1803. How- | 2 in front of the temple and handed it over to Dr. Izsó Rósa the early 1890s. ever, the building soon proved to be too small and the com- von Várhely, president of the Jewish community, who munity decided to build another, more spacious synagogue A design contest was advertised in 1897, ten contestants opened the gates of the new synagogue while giving a short that is the applied by the deadline. The first prize was awarded ceremonial speech. After that, the marching people entered so-called Old to Jewish architect Lipót Baumhorn, who designed the building while horns were played, and were received by Synagogue. It or redesigned over 40 synagogues in the territory of the large crowd occupying the benches inside. was designed the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The design contest in neoclassic was attended by Marcell Komor and Dezső Jakab, two style by Hen- outstanding representatives of Hungarian Art Nouveau. rik and József Their plan (with further two designs), reflecting genuine Lipovszky and Hungarian Art Nouveau style, was bought by the Church was built be- Building Committee. Their concept finally materialized in tween 1840 Subotica, where the synagogue of the Jewish community | 1 and 1843. stands on the square named after the two architects. | 3 GLASS ART IN ARCHITECTURE According to contemporary sources, significant represen- th tatives of the city and the region were at present as well AT THE TURN OF THE 19 as Jewish leaders from Pest. Manó Róth stained glass artist th also attended the opening ceremony where prayer was held AND 20 CENTURIES by Mór Löwy, Rabbi of Timisoara, accompanied by 14 other Rabbis. Immánuel Löw, the most influential Rabbi of the city, held the speeches of the celebration. Immánuel Löw described the building as follows in 1903: “It is a fine example of modern synagogue architecture in he art style Historicism was created by the romantic Hungarian state played a serious role. Noticing the special every detail as well as holistically.”7 Baumhorn’s exceptional Tnostalgia felt towards previous historic periods in demand of public and residential buildings Ágoston Tre- th th Eclectic style building became an outstanding structure of Hungary at the turn of the 19 and 20 centuries. Another fort (1817–1888), minister of religion and public educa- determining style of this era was Art Nouveau in Hungary, tion, founded the Institution of National Glass Painting the city and the era. The iron-structured church followed 13 the Eclectic style of the late 19th century, resembling Moorish an art style also seeking its roots in the past. Artists of both in 1878. Due to this act, glass paintings became appreci- influence.8 styles, with exceptional enthusiasm and energy, intended ated, establishing a valuable religious glass painting art in to rediscover old beauties, thus making their surround- the first decades of the 1900s. Owing to this, besides glass Decorative design elements of Art Nouveau style can be ings more aesthetic. This pursuit revived glass painting at manufactories, glass painters and glass artists experienced found on the cupola and the windows, furthermore, the turn of the century, highlighting the secret of radiant prosperity in production. Glass painting workshops started Roman, Gothic and Renaissance style elements appear in the glass.10 Decorative painting, architectural sculpture, art to spring; numerous public-, residential- and church build- synagogue9. The most imposing part of the building is the locksmithery, architectural ceramics and glasswork were ings were decorated with stained glass windows. Represen- cupola, being one of the most typical element of synagogue the branches of applied art which, reinforcing each oth- tatives of the profession formed the National Association architecture of its time. It is richly decorated with colourful er, accomplished
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