Vranov nad Topl'ou Synagogue

The synagogue at Vranov nad Topl'ou in Eastern Slovakia is one of the latest examples of a Moorish style synagogue.  The architect, Vojtech Sipos, was following a well-established pattern of synagogue building.  By now Moorish style synagogues had probably largely lost their association with either the Islamic Orient or with the Liberal Jewry of Central Europe.  Still, the architect may have decided on purpose not to use the dome and high towers characteristic of many Moorish style synagogues built for Liberal congregations.  The Orthodox considered such features to be too church-like.

Thanks to Ms. Emilia Antolíková, librarian at Vranov nad Topľou, for the following information.  It is based on the pamphlet, Stručné dejiny židov vo Vranove nad Topľou (A Brief History of the Jews of Vranov nad Topľou), by Igor Solánik (Vranov nad Topľou: Municipal Government, 2000).  The above photo is from that publication.

The Vranov synagogue stood on former lot number 1394.  The lot was purchased by the Orthodox Jewish Community in 1897, but building began only in 1921, with financial aid from Nicholas (Mikuláš Schwartz), a locally born American.  Schwartz donated $10,000 for the project.  This sufficed not only for the synagogue but also for a new mikvah (ritual bath).  The contractor was Hugo Kabos.  The finishing work was done in 1924 by the firm of Barkányi Brothers.