The Helsinki Synagogue (Finnish: Helsingin synagoga; Swedish: Helsingfors synagoga) is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, located at Malminkatu Street 26, in the Kamppi district of Helsinki, Finland.[1]

Helsinki Synagoga
Finnish: Helsingin synagoga
Swedish: Helsingfors synagoga
Synagogue dome in 2006
Religion
AffiliationOrthodox Judaism
RiteNusach Ashkenaz
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusSynagogue
StatusActive
Location
LocationMalminkatu Street 26, Kamppi, Helsinki
CountryFinland
Helsinki Synagogue is located in Finland
Helsinki Synagogue
Location of the synagogue in Finland
Geographic coordinates60°10′03″N 24°55′42″E / 60.16750°N 24.92833°E / 60.16750; 24.92833
Architecture
Architect(s)Jac. Ahrenberg
TypeSynagogue architecture
Style
Date establishedc. 1900 (as a congregation)
Completed1906
Specifications
Capacity600 worshippers
Dome(s)One
MaterialsBrick

Overview

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The rectangular synagogue building, designed in the Byzantine Revival and Art Nouveau styles[2] by the Viipuri-born architect, Jac. Ahrenberg, was completed in August 1906 and serves the 1,200-strong Jewish community.[3] The synagogue dome is a distinctive landmark on the Helsinki skyline, and was renovated and enlarged in 1926, when a library was added. A Jewish community center, located adjacent to the synagogue, including an aged care facility, an auditorium, meeting rooms, and a mikveh, was completed in 1967.[4][5]

As one of the most northern in the world, the congregation follows the halachic hour, especially during Finnish summers where it doesn't get dark, even at night. Under rabbinic Jewish law, an hour is calculated by taking the total time of daylight of a particular day, from sunrise until sunset, and dividing it into twelve equal parts. The halachic hour varies by the season and sometimes by the day.[1] As a result, shabbat services are conducted during daylight.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Jackson, Maddison (July 13, 2022). "Voices of European Jewry: Helsinki, Finland". Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "Synagogue in Helsinki". Religiana. 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  3. ^ "Helsinki". The Cultural Guide to Jewish Europe. n.d. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "Finland: Heritage and Heritage Sites". Jewish Heritage Europe. n.d. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  5. ^ "Helsinki Synagogue". Jewish Community of Helsinki. n.d. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
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