The Neue Synagoge Mainz, an architecture of letterforms
During a guided tour of the Neue Synagoge Mainz in May 2023, a friendly synagogue guide provided an explanation of the reasons behind the choice of letterforms as an architectural concept. He explained that after the destruction and consequent demolition of the Main Synagoge by the Nazis in 1938, rebuilding in a traditional style resembling the destroyed synagogue would not have been appropriate in the context of the deep chasm created by the holocaust. The innovative architect, Manuel Herz, designed the new synagogue using Hebrew letterforms, words and scriptural extracts. Even the seating uses the Hebrew letterform, lamed. The sacred letters and scripts were seen as foundational, that which is perennial in the Jewish faith. While the main entrance bears reference to the Diaspora and the medieval rabbinical scholar, Gershom ben Yehuda, with the text Me'or Hagola, Beit Knesset Magenza (Light of the exile, Synagogue Mainz), the exterior architecture imitates the contours of the Hebrew word Kedusha, meaning holiness or sanctification. The five Hebrew letters קְדוּשָּׁה (kof, dalet, vav, shin and he) used in the word Kedusha may not be instantly recognisable, however, once being informed the unusual structure acquires a deeper meaning, as being a confidant to a secret code. The exterior facade is clad with glazed tiles with a pleated structure that alters its colour from green to black according to the light and weather conditions. The interior design retains the concept of letterforms and Hebrew scripture extracts, golden, ochre walls densely covered with Hebrew letters in a subtle relief. The predominant interior colour hints to trekking, and meditating, in a vast desert. The choice of Hebrew letters as an architectural concept underlines the synchronism of these letters and the Jewish faith. (Wiseman 10/30/2023) Most of the factual information in this post was extracted from Irina Wittmer's book The Neue Synagoge in Mainz and its People (2021), published by the Jüdische Gemeinde Mainz KdöR All photos: © Wiseman (2023)
1 Comment
Valentin Heuwieser
11/11/2023 12:03:31
Interesting translation of the sacred letters into built form.
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