Hoofdsynagoge van de Israelisch Orthodoxe Gemeente Machsiké Hadass

Hoofdsynagoge van de Israelisch Orthodoxe Gemeente Machsiké Hadass stands in Antwerp as the main synagogue of a charedi Jewish community. Built in 1913 and 1914, the white natural-stone building presents an eclectic facade with an onion-shaped dome above its entrance. The rectangular complex contains two synagogues, event halls and a caretaker’s residence.

J. Hofman gave the structure three storeys and an exotic architectural character. Its main prayer hall has three aisles, rounded eastern corners and a women’s gallery above the ground floor. Marble and imitation-marble columns support capitals with gilded palmettes, while painted panels represent the twelve months and twelve tribes of Israel. A white wooden Torah ark with golden reliefs faces a rectangular bima on green-brown marble columns.

War damage struck the upper floor, and a fire later damaged the front part of the building. Restorations preserved the original style, while the rebuilt frontage gained a festive sukkah. Marble steps lead towards the painted half-dome above the ark, making the interior’s layered decoration especially memorable.