Synagogue of La Chaux-de-Fonds

The Synagogue of La Chaux-de-Fonds is a Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at 63 Rue du Parc, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
The synagogue was opened in 1896 and was listed among the Cultural Property of National Significance. It is also part of the La Chaux-de-Fonds 19th-century urban ensemble listed as a World Heritage Site.

Architecture

The synagogue was built in a Byzantine Revival style with Romanesque Revival elements. The cross-shaped casement is topped by a cupola. The interior of the building is adorned with rich paintings. The organ, made by Kuhn from Männedorf, is no longer in service.

History

In 1833, the Jewish community of La Chaux-de-Fonds started worshipping in a private residency. A first synagogue was built in 1863 and consecrated by Rabbi Moïse Nordmann from Hégenheim, Alsace.
The new synagogue was built between 1894 and 1896 by architect Richard Kuder. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on June 28, 1894. The synagogue was consecrated On May 13, 1896, by Rabbi Jules Wolff.