Orthodox Synagogue (Sinagoga de Rit Ortodox), Brasov

The Orthodox Synagogue in Brasov, located on Castle Street (Strada Castelului), is a significant landmark of the city’s Jewish heritage. Constructed in 1924, it served as a place of worship for the Orthodox (traditionalist) Jewish community, which had split from the Neolog (Reformed) community in 1877. The synagogue’s design reflects the Moorish architectural style, notable for its ornate ceramic mosaics, plant motifs, and the depiction of two lions supporting a menorah above the entrance-an uncommon feature in synagogues.

The building occupies an area of 365 square meters and originally included facilities such as a ritual bath and access to the central Jewish cemetery on Closca Street. Its establishment marked a period when the Jewish community in Brasov was thriving, with members contributing significantly to the city's economic, cultural, and professional life during the interwar years.

However, the Second World War brought immense hardship. Though Brasov’s Jews were not deported, they faced severe restrictions, violence, and property seizures. The Orthodox Synagogue was devastated by legionnaire attacks in 1941, symbolizing the community's suffering during this era.

Following the war, the synagogue resumed limited activity but, like the Jewish population in Brasov, it experienced a steep decline due to emigration, particularly to Palestine. By the 1956 census, only 1,759 Jews remained in the city, a sharp contrast to the pre-war peak of 6,000.

Today, the Orthodox Synagogue is decommissioned and functions as a warehouse. The building stands alongside the Neolog Synagogue on Poarta Schei Street as a testament to Brasov's once-vibrant Jewish community and its enduring legacy.