Prague

KOSHER & JEWISH TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Prague
Country:	Czeck Republic
State:
Type of City:

CITY INTRO[edit]

The capital of the Czech Republic, the most popular tourist destination of central Europe.

History

The Jewish history of Prauge is very old. The Jewish community has been a fixture since the 1500s. At that time the Jews lived in the Judenstadt, or the Jewish Ghetto, a semi-autonomous community. 1564-1611 was the golden age for Jewish Prague, when they enjoyed religious and economic freedom, and thrived as astronomers, mathematicians, philosophers and artists. This was also the period of the Maharal, Rabbi Yehudah ben Betzalel Loew created the legendary Golem. In the 1700s the population of Prague was 25 percent Jewish and the largest Jewish community in the world. In 1745 Empress Maria Theresa expelled the Jews but they began to return in 1748.

Tourism

Today the Josefov welcomes visitors all year round. You can visit the Jewish Museum which includes six different sites: Maisel Synagogue. Klausen Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Ceremonial Hall. http://www.jewishmuseum.cz/aindex.php For an additional fee you can visit the Alt-Neu(old-new) Shul. The Old-new Shul (Alt-noy Shul-Prague) It is said their attic is the resting place of the Maharal's Golem. They also host three daily minyanim http://www.synagogue.cz/ The Jewihs Quater is conveniently located next to the Staromestska metro station. It is also home to the city's active shul's, kosher restuarants and apartment rental=s.

Places to stay

Apartments can be rented in the Jewish Quarter at kosherprague.com Several hotels are within walking distance of the synagogues of the Jewish Quarter. Chabad provides kosher meals at many hotels upon request.