Religion & history
The display in the
recently renovated Great Synagogue covers Jewish religious life in
all its diversity. It focuses on the Torah, on the ingredients of
the synagogue service as well as on various festivals and key
moments in Jewish life. The Jewish vision of the sanctity of life
is the central theme. In a series of short films individuals tell
about how they experience Jewish traditions. Historic film clips of
prewar Jewish life in the Netherlands are also featured.
History
of the Jews in the Netherlands 1600-1900
The history of the Jews in the Netherlands from
1600-1900 is presented on the galleries of the Great
Synagogue. The central question is what it meant to be Jewish in
the Netherlands in this period. Where did the Jewish newcomers who
arrived in the Dutch Republic, and especially in Amsterdam in the
seventeenth century, come from? How did these Jewish migrants
organize themselves in this dynamic economic city? What kind of
opportunities did they find? And how were they restricted? The
stories about the first Jews to come to the Netherlands, about
assimilation and integration, cultural interchange with non-Jews
and the preservation of their Jewish identity are themes that
remain topical today.
History of the Jews in the Netherlands 1900 - The Present
Day
In the galleries of the New Synagogue, the new permanent
exhibition on the history of the Jews in the Netherlands from 1900
to the present day is now open to the public. This exhibition is
the sequel to the one in the galleries of the Great Synagogue,
which spans the period 1600-1900. The twentieth century brought the
Jews in the Netherlands prosperity followed by untold grief. The
first few decades witnessed the continuation of a process of
emancipation that had begun in the nineteenth century. The rise of
socialism was one factor that helped the lower social classes of
the Jewish population to better their lives. With the Second World
War, the relatively safe existence of the Dutch Jews came to an
end. By routes including internment in Camp Westerbork,
three-quarters of them were deported to death camps and murdered by
the Nazis. After the war, most Jews believed that Judaism no longer
had a future in the Netherlands. Yet the year 1948 brought fresh
hope and joy, with the proclamation of a Jewish state, Israel.
Today, the Netherlands once again has a strong and vibrant Jewish
community.
Groups
Maximum of 20 persons per guide.
Duration
1 hour (if not mentioned otherwise).
Price (per group, max. 20 people)
€ 65,00 per hour, excl. reservation costs € 5,00
Price is excl. entrance fee.
Make a
reservation
General information
about guided tours
Fore more information and reservations:
Service & Sales Department
T +31 (0)20 5 310 380
E Service & Sales
Monday until Friday 9.00 tot 17.00
