Objects

The Izaak Synagogue (Ayzik Jakubowicz’s Synagogue) is located in the Kazimierz district of Kraków, on the corner of 18 Kupa and Izaaka Streets. It was founded by Izaak Jakubowicz (born Ayzik Jekeles) – a wealthy merchant and head of Jewish community of Kazimierz. Persuaded by his wife Brajndla, Jakubowicz decided to found a synagogue as an expression of gratitude for the success and happiness of his family. In 1638, Jakubowicz obtained a permit for the construction of a magnificent temple from King Władysław IV. However, the synagogue was eventually opened quite late, in 1644. This was due to its founder’s conflict with Marcin Kłoczyński (also spelt Kłodziński), the parish priest of the Church of Corpus Christi, and Jakub Zadzik, the Bishop of Kraków. The clergymen claimed that the synagogue was being built too close to the street inhabited by Christians. However, they were assured that the operation of the synagogue would not have any negative consequences on the Christian community. And thus since 1644, the Jews of Kazimierz could attend the largest and best equipped synagogue in the town.