Czech Republic

LEARN ABOUT THE JEWS OF PRAGUE!

Jews have lived in the Czech Republic since the 10th century when the region was divided into the principalities of Moravia and Bohemia, respectively. The Jewish communities there suffered during the Crusades but conditions improved during the 13th century before worsening again in the 14th century until the Jews were expelled in 1541 by the Habsburg dynasty. Though eventually allowed to return, the Habsburgs subjected the Jews to restrictive laws and forced to live in ghettos. During a period in which these restrictions were relaxed, Prague’s Jewish community rose to prominence with several rabbis, such as Rabbi Judah Loew, gaining fame throughout Europe.

Most of the Czech Jewish community was wiped out during the Holocaust, but the Jewish quarter was preserved for what Hitler hoped would be the future museum to the “extinct Jews.” After the Soviets took control of the country, much of the remaining community fled to Israel and most Jews inside the Czech Republic hid their Jewish identity. In the years since the fall of the Soviet Union, there has been a resurgence of Jewish life with several new synagogues and schools established. Today, the Czech Republic is home to approximately 3,900 Jews.

TOUR JEWISH Prague

Prague Castle Tour

Visit Theresienstadt

PLACES OF INTEREST

SYNAGOGUES

PLACES TO EAT