The Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot Synagogue, constructed circa 1913, stands as the only remaining synagogue of the 20 that once served the vibrant Jewish community of Oświęcim.
This sacred site was desecrated during the Nazi occupation, repurposed as an ammunition warehouse, and later used as a carpet store under the Communist regime. After communism’s fall, it was the first Jewish communal property returned to a Jewish community in Poland in 1998, restored by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, and reopened to the public in 2000.
As a living testament to the nearly 98% of Oświęcim’s Jewish community lost during the Holocaust, the historic synagogue now serves as a center of hope, resilience, and remembrance. It hosts a range of activities, from prayer services to cultural events, helping to educate visitors about the rich Jewish life in Oświęcim that once flourished here.
Today, as the only Jewish house of worship near Auschwitz, it continues to draw visitors from around the world for prayer, reflection, and celebrations like b’nai mitzvah, despite lacking a local congregation or rabbi. Each visit breathes new life into its walls, underscoring the importance of maintaining this sacred site as a testament to Jewish heritage and resilience.
By preserving this lone surviving synagogue, we keep the memory of Oświęcim’s beautiful Jewish community alive and educate future generations on the dangers of hatred and the power we have to fight it.