The New Synagogue

Because of the immigration of Jews from the former Soviet Union also the Jewish community Dresden needed a larger synagogue to provide space for all observers. The new synagogue was not supposed to be a reconstruction of the old Semper Synagogue rather it ought to discuss architecturally the discontinuity of Jewish life in Dresden. The synagogue built by Gottfried Semper was destroyed during the November Pogrom in 1938. Not far from the Semper Synagogue's former position reminds a six armed candlestick made out of stone (which is modelled on the seven armed menora and symbolically reminds of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust) of the destruction of the Semper Synagogue and the fate of Dresden Jewry during National Socialism. One of the two gold-plated stars of David that used to adorn the Semper Synagogue was rescued by a brave fireman during the November Pogrom and is now found above the entrance door of the New Synagogue.

For the new building to fit in the silhouette of Dresden townscape with its sandstone buildings, the architects used concrete enriched with admixtures that made it look similar to sandstone.

The New Synagogue is a monolithic block without windows. Its introverted character refers to the function of the synagogue as a place for contemplation and prayers. The facade shows a continuous turning to the direction of Jerusalem which mirrows the inner position of the tabernacle with its Thora scrolls. The Jewish community center, where you also find the Café Schoschana, is situated opposite the New Synagogue and opens itself towards the visitor in contrary to the synagogue through a large window front.

The interior of the synagogue is made out of a fragile metal textile which refers to the tabernacle used by the Israelite tribe for their ritual ceremonies during the 40 years of wandering through the desert. These two opposite elements: massive outer and fragile inner shape symbolize the essential experiences in the history of the Jewish people such as durability (temple) and transience (tabernacle).

New Synagogue and the Jewishcommuitry center