Nożyk Synagogue, Warsaw

This synagogue was used as a stable during WWII, so it sustained some significant damage during the war, but is was restorable. So not too bad, when you consider what happened to the majority of buildings in Warsaw. The interesting thing about Jews in 21st century Warsaw is that there are enough of them to be found, but not enough to warrent a synagogue of this size--and since the Warsaw Jewish community is the 'Jewish Community of Record' for the north of the country, all the Jewish properties throughout the countryside 'belong' to them.

So what is it like? It is empty. Unused looking. Pews are piled up in the back. It is yet another reminder of what was once there and is no longer. In a lot of ways, it seems a shame to keep all these places frozen in time. Too bad people can't use them in ways that would be more useful. It seems very unpractical and yet there is the conundrum of never forgetting and then as a result not really honoring the values of those who we are trying so hard to remember. I am not sure what the solution is, and I am sure it is even more complicated than it first appears, but the overwhelming take home message is that this is the place of tragedy.