Catalan synagogues in Salonika

Catalan synagogues in Salonika

1) Catalan Yashan synagogue

Location: 58 Ifestou Street

Date of re-establishment: after 1917

It is traditionally believed that Catalan synagogue was established in 1492, by the Jewish refugees from Catalonia –mostly Jews from Barcelona and Gerona, among whom were many prominent literary figures. It was also called Kahal Kadosh Catalunya, and Kahal Kadosh Catalan. Its nickname was fig (figo). In the middle of the sixteenth century the congregation split into two synagogues: Catalan Yashan and Catalan ‘Hadash. At the end of the nineteenth century, Catalan Yashan was located in Bedaron quarter near Kastilia Havrasi (Agiou Nikolau) street. Between 1905 and 1917 it was located in the Talmud Tora complex. After it was destroyed in the fire of 1917, it was re-established on Ifestou Street. In 1919 the ‘hazzanim were I.E. Brudo, R.S. Esformes, I.M. Carasso, D.M. Arditi and A.G. Arditi. The synagogue is not mentioned in later sources. It is possible that it stopped functioning in the early 1930s.

2) Catalan ‘Hadash synagogue

Location: 14 Amalias Street

Date of re-establishment: after 1917

It is traditionally believed that Catalan ‘Hadash synagogue was established in the middle of the sixteenth century by members of the Catalan synagogue. At the end of the nineteenth century it was located in the Pulia quarter near Egnatia. After it was destroyed in the fire of 1917, it was re-established in Amalias Street. In the 1919 the ‘hazzanim were D.S. Saltiel, I.S. Levi, S.M. Mose, A.Y. Barzilai, and S.G. Almosnino.

Source: Elias V. Messinas. The synagogues of Salonika and Veroia. Athens: Gavrielides Editions, 1997.

Picture: Ruins of Catalan synagogue after the fire of 1890 (Avraham and David Recanati collection)