Tempel Synagogue: galleries, stained glass and a painted ceiling

A reason to pause here

The ceiling and galleries at Tempel give us plenty to look at before we get to the smaller details. Our photographs then narrow the view to lettering, stained glass and stonework, so we would leave time for both scales of the room.

A progressive congregation’s synagogue

Tempel was built in 1860–1862 for a progressive Jewish congregation and enlarged later. Its services included sermons in Polish and German. The surviving interior includes stained glass, wooden galleries and painted decoration.

During the German occupation the building was used for storage and stabling. It later returned to religious and cultural use. The Jewish Community Centre was built behind it in 2006–2008.

Begin with the whole room

We would first look towards the ceiling and galleries, then move our attention to lettering and window panels. Our photographs make that shift from the room’s scale to its smaller details. Give the stained glass time as the daylight changes.

Plan the visit

Check current admission and events with the Jewish community. The visitor listing notes closure on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Follow rules on dress and photography, and do not assume a concert ticket includes unrestricted sightseeing before or afterwards.