Synagogue built in the 19th century
One of the special attractions of Karcag is the county’s last Israelite church remaining in its original function, the more than 120-year-old Synagogue. The Romantic-style building on József Kertész Street, overlooking Kossuth Square, was built in 1899, but it is believed to have been the site of an earlier prayer house. The school of the Israelite community, which was inaugurated in 1866, was also located in this street, where education was provided until 1934, but later this building was demolished.
The establishment of the Congregation
According to historical data, Jewish residents began to settle in Karcag and its surroundings in 1848. The Karcag Congregation was soon established (1855), and Márk Hirsch was elected their rabbi. After four years of activity, he continued his work in his native village, Tiszabő, and later became Chief Rabbi of Prague and Hamburg. After his departure, he was succeeded by Salamon Schüch, who was the spiritual leader of the religious community for 48 years. It was during his tenure that the construction of the synagogue began in 1898. The building was constructed based on the plans of architect Bolgár Blaum, the son of Ferenc Blaum from Karcag, and was soon inaugurated on 20 March, 1899.
Characteristics of the building
The synagogue has a rectangular floor plan, consisting of a gable-roofed main building and a porch. The windows above the main entrance, in the side wings and on the high floor of the side elevation have horseshoe arched shutters. The main entrance has side entrances on either side of the side wings, above which are round windows decorated with a Star of David. The side facades have four window axes, the ground floor windows are straight-ended. In the interior of the church, the Star of David also appears in the pattern of the cast-iron brackets supporting the galleries. This image is also a prominent feature in the symbolic decorative motifs of colourful, painted glass windows, and can be found on every window. The varied patterns of the glass windows depict the religious symbols of Judaism.
Religious life in the synagogue
Within a short time, the Jewish community became a major player in the economic and intellectual life of the city.
After the death of Salamon Schüch in 1917, his son Mór Schüch became the third rabbi of Karcag, who died in 1940.
In 1944, the population of the community was halved, and the memory of the martyred brothers and sisters is preserved by the Martyrs’ Memorial Wall in the church foyer and the Martyrs’ Memorial Column erected in the cemetery.
Due to the small population of the community, mass services are held annually on the occasion of the Martyrs’ Commemorations and High Holidays.
According to the synagogue’s rules on seating, men and women are seated separately in religious meetings, but this does not apply to visitors.
If possible, groups are welcome to visit by a pre-agreed appointment!
Sources:
https://karcag.hu/izraelita-hitkozseg/
https://www.utazzitthon.hu/latnivalo/karcag/zsinagoga-22466