Demography

Apart from Prague, in which the great majority of Jews live, there are several other communities, notably in Brno, Plzen, Olomouc, and Karlovy Vary. None of these smaller communities has more than 350 persons. Most Czech Jews are elderly. In recent years, however, the community has been bolstered by the presence of a large number of foreign Jews, primarily Americans, presently working in Prague.

History

The presence of many medieval Jewish sites (including Prague’s Altneuschul, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe) testifies to the deep roots of the Jewish communities in Bohemia and Moravia.

Czech Jewry failed to keep pace with the dynamic growth of other communities in the region. Assimilation, emigration, and a low birthrate took a heavy toll. Already in the 1920s, the rate of intermarriage in Prague had reached some 30%. The political status of Jews in independent inter-war Czechoslovakia was favorable, and Jewish nationality for those who identified themselves as such was recognized by the authorities. Jews played a prominent role in the arts, sciences, commerce, and industry.

About 80,000 Czech Jews (85% of the community) were killed in the Shoah. Many of the survivors attempted to rebuild Jewish life, but with the imposition of Communist rule, the atmosphere became increasingly inhospitable. The Slansky trial of 1952, in which a number of Communists of Jewish origin were charged with Zionism and other "crimes," was accompanied by a general deterioration in conditions for the Czech Jewish community. With de-Stalinization, the situation for Jews improved somewhat, but communal life was subject to stringent control. The 1989 Velvet Revolution, however, has led to a reawakening of Jewish consciousness and has opened up many new avenues of Jewish expression.

Community

The Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, housed in the celebrated 400-year-old Jewish Town Hall, is the leading communal organization. Among the local Jewish organizations are the Society for Jewish Culture and the Union of Jewish Youth. The Franz Kafka Society promotes Jewish culture, and the Czech-Israel Friendship Society acts to improve relations between the two countries.

Culture and Education

A Jewish kindergarten sponsored by the Lauder Foundation, has been opened in Prague. Older children attend a, once-a-week, afternoon Talmud Torah. A Jewish journal called Rosh Chodesh appears monthly, and there is also a radio program called "Shalom Aleichem."

Religious Life

Attendance at synagogues in Prague and other cities is sparse, and some of them function only on major holidays. A Reform community called "Beit Praha" was recently established in Prague and conducts High Holy Day services in the "Spanish" synagogue. For all intents and purposes Jewish life is focused on the capital-which is also the seat of the only rabbi. The community sponsors a kosher restaurant that is especially popular with foreign tourists.

Sites

The Jewish quarter of Prague is a treasury of Jewish art and architecture and is one of the most outstanding Jewish sites in Europe. Its synagogues (including the 14th century Altneushul), ancient cemetery, and museum are visited by both Jews and non-Jews alike. The names of 77,291 Czech Jews killed in the Shoah were painted on the walls of the sanctuary of the 500-year-old Pinkas synagogue. During Communist rule, whole sections were erased, but the names have since been restored. Many cities and towns have Jewish relics in various states of repair. The grounds of the former concentration camp at Terezin (Theresienstadt) present the tragic history of those deported to the "model ghetto."

Contact

Council of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic
PRESIDENT : Jiri DANICEK

  Maislova 18
  11001 Prague 1
  Tel. 420 224 800 824
  Fax 420 224 810 912
  Email : secretariat@fzo.cz

Embassy

  Badeniho 2
  17000 Prague 7
  Tel. 420 233 097 500
  Fax 420 233 097 519

  Email : info@prague.mfa.gov.il