Helsinki Synagogue Explained

Building Name:Helsinki Synagoga
Native Name:Finnish: Helsingin synagoga
Swedish: Helsingfors synagoga
Image Upright:1.4
Map Type:Finland
Map Size:250
Map Relief:1
Location:Malminkatu Street 26, Kamppi, Helsinki
Country:Finland
Geo:60.1675°N 24.9283°W
Religious Affiliation:Orthodox Judaism
Rite:Nusach Ashkenaz
Status:Synagogue
Functional Status:Active
Architect:Jac. Ahrenberg
Year Completed:1906
Capacity:600 worshippers
Dome Quantity:One
Materials:Brick

The Helsinki Synagogue (Finnish: Helsingin synagoga; Swedish: Helsingfors synagoga) is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, located at Malminkatu Street 26, in the Kamppi district of Helsinki, Finland.[1]

Overview

The rectangular synagogue building, designed in the Byzantine Revival and Art Nouveau styles[2] by the Viipuri-born architect, Jac. Ahrenberg, was completed in August 1906 and serves the 1,200-strong Jewish community.[3] The synagogue dome is a distinctive landmark on the Helsinki skyline, and was renovated and enlarged in 1926, when a library was added. A Jewish community center, located adjacent to the synagogue, including an aged care facility, an auditorium, meeting rooms, and a mikveh, was completed in 1967.[4] [5]

As one of the most northern in the world, the congregation follows the halachic hour, especially during Finnish summers where it doesn't get dark, even at night. Under rabbinic Jewish law, an hour is calculated by taking the total time of daylight of a particular day, from sunrise until sunset, and dividing it into twelve equal parts. The halachic hour varies by the season and sometimes by the day.[1] As a result, shabbat services are conducted during daylight.

See also

References

  1. News: Jackson, Maddison . Voices of European Jewry: Helsinki, Finland . Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle . 13 July 2022 . 6 June 2024 .
  2. Web site: Synagogue in Helsinki . Religiana . 2024 . 6 June 2024 .
  3. Web site: Helsinki . The Cultural Guide to Jewish Europe . n.d. . 6 June 2024 .
  4. Web site: Finland: Heritage and Heritage Sites . Jewish Heritage Europe . n.d. . 6 June 2024 .
  5. Web site: Helsinki Synagogue . Jewish Community of Helsinki . n.d. . 6 June 2024 .

External links