Šachova synagoga

About the museum

The wooden synagogue in Holešov burned down in 1560, and in its place a stone Renaissance building was erected. It is named after Rabbi Sabbatai ben Meir ha-Kohen, known as Šach, who taught here for five years and died in 1663; his grave is in the nearby Jewish cemetery. An extension was added in 1615, and in 1725–1737 Baroque alterations followed, including a vaulted prayer hall and decoration, of which the original painting from 1737 has survived.

The synagogue is the only synagogue of the so-called Polish type that has survived in its original form, and is therefore regarded as a unique example. After a new synagogue was opened in 1893, it ceased to serve religious services; during the Second World War it was used as a carpenter’s workshop and warehouse. It was restored in the 1960s and opened as a museum in 1964. In 1994 it was returned to the Jewish community, and today it is managed by the Městské kulturní středisko Holešov (Holešov Municipal Cultural Centre).

Visitors see the prayer hall with its richly decorated bimah, the exhibition Židé a Morava in the women’s gallery and the former Jewish school, and on the second floor the study room of Rabbi Šach, open since 2016, which holds an almost complete collection of his writings. The tour is complemented by the Jewish cemetery with thousands of gravestones, which is freely accessible.

Highlights

• the only surviving synagogue of the Polish type in its original form
• Baroque decoration of the prayer hall from 1737 and the bimah
• exhibition Židé a Morava
• Šach study room with the writings of Rabbi Šach
• nearby Jewish cemetery with the grave of Rabbi Šach

Permanent exhibitions

• Židé a Morava – Exhibition in the women’s gallery and the former Jewish school on the history of the Jews in Moravia until the Second World War, with ritual and everyday objects.
• Šachova studovna – Study room on the second floor, open since 2016, with an almost complete collection of the writings of Rabbi Šach, serving both visitors and researchers.

Founded

1964

Operated by

Městské kulturní středisko Holešov (budova je majetkem Židovské obce Brno)

Admission & discounts

Details according to the portal Kudy z nudy; the town’s website gives no information on admission. The price applies to a guided tour (about one hour). The Jewish cemetery is freely accessible without a guide.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Information on accessibility is not available.

Kids & families

Family admission is available.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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