Countryside Synagogue of Heide

The synagogue of Heide is the only non-city synagogue in Belgium where Jews of all persuasions came together. What is perhaps even more curious is that this was the first building erected in Heide for worship, before the construction of the parish church which only dates from 1935. Until about 1995, the synagogue was still used for worship in the summer period and the building was in fairly good condition. In the early period (late 19th, beginning of the 20th century) the prayer meetings of the Jewish community in Heide were held in the house of Shaul Wachstock in the Thillostraat (diagonally behind pension Brunner), but due to the increasing influx of Jewish residents - mostly summer tourists - the need for a real synagogue grew. In the Leopoldstraat, a building plot was purchased on September 14, 1927. The synagogue was officially inaugurated in 1929. Architect was Jan Frans Beirens from Kalmthout, contractor Alexander Nagels. The money for the construction was raised in Antwerp and Heide with Mendel Kornreich as one of the largest donors. The local Jewish community also literally contributed by participating in the construction. The façade exhibits some neomoor style features, but otherwise the building also has subtle architectural elements from the 1920s. The local glazier made the large stained glass window with Star of David above the holy ark. Inside there is a spacious balcony for the women. Large windows provide abundant light. Next to the entrance, a consistory room and a living area for the caretaker were introduced.

Dromos