The Progressive Synagogue (Temple) in Krakow: On the History of Progressive Judaism in the Partitioned Polish Lands

Although progressive synagogues (Tempels) functioned in several cities in the partitioned Polish lands (Warsaw, Lodz, Lviv, Wloclawek and many more) their functioning is a significantly underresearched phenomena. In my paper I would like to present the history and religious standpoint of Krakow Progressive Synagogue (Tempel) since it creation in 1840s until the end of the 19th century. Using this example I will elaborate on the development of progressive Judaism in the partitioned Polish lands in general. I would like to address the following issues:

1) the religious standpoint of Krakow progressive milieu and its attitude to the reform of Judaism

2) the characteristisc of religious life of the Krakow progressive synagogue: liturgy, the religious leaders, the layout of the synagogue

3) place of Krakow progressive synagogue (and other progressive synagogues) within the existing movements in the Central European Judaism

The material presented will summarize the results of the research for my doctoral dissertation (defended in 2015) devoted to the history and religious views of the Krakow progressive milieu.