Jewish Heritage

Jewish Heritage

Romania is home to more than 800 Synagogues and several cemeteries. Most Synagogues are still used by the small local Jewish communities scattered throughout the country. Jewish Heritage sites of particular interest are located in the following cities: Bucharest, Arad, Bacau, Baia Mare, Botosani, Brasov, Campulung Moldovenesc, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Dorohoi, Galati, Iasi, Oradea, Piatra Neamt, Roman, Satu Mare, Sighetu Marmatiei, Timisoara, Targu Mures and Targu Neamt.

One of the most prominent names in contemporary Jewish history is Elie Wiesel, who was born in Sighetu Marmatiei, Maramures. His childhood home has been restored, and it is open to visitors. Nearby is the community's 19th Century Synagogue.

Bucharest's synagogues include the Choral Temple, built in 1857, still serving Bucharest's small Jewish community (it is noted for its magnificent Moorish turrets, choir loft and organ) and the Great Synagogue, dating from 1850, which now houses the Jewish History Museum with its remarkable centerpiece sculpture of a mourning woman (open Wednesday and Sunday).

Iasi, headquarters of Hacham Bashim in the 17th Century and one of the great European centers of Jewish learning during the 19th Century, has one remaining Synagogue, the Great Synagogue, built in 1671. It is no longer in use, but serves as a museum, open by appointment. Satu Mare's Great Synagogue, built in 1920, is still in use.

In Oradea, three imposing Synagogues remain from when this city was an important center of Romanian Jewish life.

In Satu Mare — the birthplace of Satmar Hasidim — the community of just 80 Jewish families keeps up its magnificent Synagogue, whose interior walls are completely covered with frescoes depicting biblical scenes.

For a list of Jewish Community Centers in Romania please contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Romania