(C) 2023 Prague City Line
Franz Kafka ranks without doubt among the most significant personalities of our history, inseparably related to Judaism. This recognized Prague writer is one of the most influential and most respected writers of the 20th century. Let´s discover more about the history of a man who had markedly influenced many world´ s authors. » More »
This Renaissance synagogue was built by the head of the Jewish community, Mordechai Maisel in 1590-93 as a private place of worship. Maisel was granted permission to build a synagogue by Emperor Rudolf II. » More »
Prague’s Jewish community has a history going back a very long way indeed. Jewish merchants and money lenders were settling in Prague as early as the 10th century. The original community in the Malá Strana moved in the middle of the 12th century to Josefov. » More »
During the formation of the Czech state not only the arrival of Cyril and Methodius but also the presence of many cultures and religions was important. Judaism was one of them. Based on the extant historical records, the Jews occured in the Czech territory already in the 10th century. There are many sources mentioning arrival of the Jewish inhabitants. One of them is the oldest Bohemian chronicle – Kosmova kronika by Cosmas of Prague. » More »
It is crucial for Judaism to keep alive its traditions, customs and everything related to the Jewish culture. All those customs and traditions accompany the daily lives of the Jews and they are distinguished by special indicia. The Jewish traditions origin from the Hebrew biblical books, particularly from the Torah, the most important book of Judaism. It is consequently being read from a Torah Scroll during prayers. Now we will learn about the traditions which are for the Jewish culture essential. » More »
What is the purpose of the synagogues? Why no pictures of humans, even saints, can be found in the synagogues? Which synagogue is the greatest? And did you know that the famous generic cialis onlineGolem is likely to wander through the streets of Prague? » More »
„It is Kosher.“ But what does it actually mean that something is „Kosher“? Which groceries, meat and plants, insects etc. are considered kashruth? And why should we not cook meat in a pot which had been used for milk before? » More »
Through the Maisel Synagogue (czech: Maiselova synagoga) back to the 10th century and then criss-cross through Jewish history in Bohemia. This beautiful Jewish building was funded in 1590 – 1592 by a very wealthy citizen of Prague Jewish Community, the Primate Mordecai Maisel. The synagogue was supposed to serve for private purposes only for him and his family. Naturally, the building takes its name after its benefactor. It was built just thanks to privileges conferred by the Emperor Rudolf II himself. As you know from previous entries, Mordecai Maisel was the very “Court-Jew” of the Emperor. » More »
Today we will transfer to Prague, namely to the 16th century – the reign period of the Emperor Rudolph II. It was a period of disturbances, when the Jewish inhabitants were suffering from numerous pogroms and other riots. Rabbi Löw was trying to protect the inhabitants of the Prague ghetto and he also provided them with spiritual comfort. The legend of the Golem of Prague started to spread in effort to avert the riots of the neighbouring Christian inhabitants. » More »
The Prague Judaism – it is more than just the remarkable constructions and monuments. It concerns a number of significant people, who through their works and ideas markedly influenced not just the sphere of literature but also the contemporary world view. Now we will learn about one of the geniuses who were forced to leave the native Prague due to their Jewish origin. » More »
