History of the synagogue in Milevsko

1919 opening of the synagogue

The new synagogue was built during the First World War in 1914-1919 to replace the old synagogue, which was no longer sufficient.

It is the work of the Prague architect František Střílka and Oldřich Tyl, a leading architect of the Czech Cubist period. The building has four load-bearing columns, a distinctive façade in the cubist style, a double staircase leading to a balcony above the entrance. The interior preserves the front wall with a sanctuary - a box for the Torah and symbols of the Ten Commandments, as well as a women's gallery supported by stone columns.

1939 - 1945 Protectorate period

Services were held in the synagogue until the beginning of the Second World War, during the occupation its premises served as a warehouse for powdered milk and packaging. The interior of the synagogue lost its interior furnishings - pews, central crystal chandelier, crystal lamps on the sides and at the altar.

1945 - 19500

The Second  World War caused the demise of the Jewish community in Milevsko. The building is dilapidated and serves as a storage for all sorts of things.

1950 the building is bought by the Czechoslovak Church

In 1950 the Church of Czechoslovakia (now the Czechoslovak Hussite Church) bought the synagogue from the Jewish community and opened it for services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, concerts, lectures and meetings...
This has created a unique spiritual space where the Old Testament and the New Testament are connected. The Old Testament is represented by a Torah box referring to the Ten Commandments, with Psalm 100 verse 2 on the right side and verse 4 on the left.