Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad) is a famous spa town in western Bohemia. Jews were not permitted to reside in the town until the 1840's. The Jewish population grew rapidly, and the synagogue pictured below, designed by Edwin Oels Oppler, was built in 1877 and accomodated 2,000 persons. Ignaz Ziegler was the Rabbi of the synagogue from 1888 until its destruction by the Nazis in 1938. The town became popular among Jews as a resort and meeting place for rabbis and communal leaders. By 1930, the Jewish population was over 2,100 persons. All but four Jews left during the Sudeten crisis in 1937. A new community was established after the war. The following two postcards depict the Synagogue.
Interior of Synagogue
Copyright © 1998-99 Edward Victor
