Vincennes Synagogue

The Vincennes Synagogue, known locally as the Synagogue de Vincennes, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Jewish history and culture in France. Nestled in the charming town of Vincennes, this synagogue is not just a place of worship but a symbol of resilience, community, and architectural beauty.

A Journey Through History

The story of the Vincennes Synagogue begins in the early 20th century. In 1901, the Paris Israelite Consistory decided to establish an official community in Saint-Mandé, which would also serve the Jewish faithful in Vincennes and nearby communes. This burgeoning community was initially composed of Alsatian Jews who had chosen France as their home following the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. As the 19th century drew to a close and the 20th century dawned, the community welcomed numerous families from Central Europe, who were fleeing poverty and pogroms.

On May 30, 1902, Rabbi David Léon, the Grand Rabbi of Paris, appointed Rabbi Willard as the officiating minister of this new community. A year later, on November 13, 1903, the Viteau family granted a lease to the Paris Consistory for a plot of land at 12 Rue Charles Marignier in Vincennes. Due to changes in street arrangements, the synagogue's address was later updated to 30 Rue Céline Robert. The construction of the synagogue was entrusted to the architect Victor Tondu, who also designed the Tours Synagogue using a similar model. The inauguration ceremony took place on September 5, 1907, marking the beginning of a long and storied history.

Architectural Marvel

The Vincennes Synagogue is a beautiful example of early 20th-century synagogue architecture. The building is located at the end of a small courtyard. Before entering the prayer hall, visitors pass through a small vestibule via a semi-circular arch porch. This porch is crowned with a triangular pediment adorned with the Star of David. The building features a women's gallery on the upper floor and is topped with a terrace surrounded by a balustrade. Above the entrance, the pediment is further embellished with the Tablets of the Law, adding to the synagogue's spiritual and aesthetic appeal.

In line with early 20th-century French Consistory practices, the bimah, or altar, is situated just in front of the Holy Ark. The prayer hall is illuminated by three stained glass windows with semi-circular arches on the eastern wall, where the Holy Ark is located, and three pairs of small windows on the western wall behind the women's gallery. Women can either sit on the ground floor behind the men, separated by a curtain, or on the upper floor gallery with a wooden balustrade.

A commemorative plaque acknowledges the generous benefactor: This temple and its dependencies were built on land belonging to the Association Consistoriale de Paris by the care of Mr. Daniel Osiris Iffla under the direction of Mr. Tondu, architect. MDCCCCVII.

A Community Evolves

In the 1960s, the Vincennes Synagogue experienced a significant transformation with the arrival of Jewish refugees from North Africa and Egypt. Until then, the community had been predominantly Ashkenazi. To accommodate the Sephardic faithful, an annex was made available for prayers following the Algerian-Moroccan or Tunisian rite.

In February 2005, a new Sephardic synagogue, Beth Raphael, was inaugurated in a building adjacent to the Ashkenazi synagogue. Accessible from the north side of the courtyard, this synagogue features a distinctly different style. The walls are a pristine white, adorned with numerous silver chandeliers. In accordance with Sephardic tradition, the bimah is located in the center of the room. The women's gallery, situated on the first floor along the western, northern, and southern walls, is protected by glass panels instead of a balustrade.

A community center located across the street houses classrooms for Talmud Torah studies and reception rooms, further enriching the community's cultural and educational offerings.

A Beacon of Continuity

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Vincennes Synagogue is its uninterrupted operation since its inauguration. Even during the dark days of the Vichy regime in World War II, the synagogue remained a steadfast place of worship and community gathering.

Today, the Vincennes Synagogue continues to serve as a vibrant center of Jewish life. It stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Jewish community in Vincennes and beyond. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to the Vincennes Synagogue offers a profound glimpse into the rich heritage and resilience of the Jewish people in France.