In 1604, Alkmaar was the first Dutch town where Jews could settle without any problems. During the 17th century, the number of Jews in the town increased. Initially, they used the living rooms of various Jewish families for shul services, but in 1792 the first proper synagogue was completed, on the Laat, not far from the Kapelkerk. However, this building soon proved unsatisfactory. The present building was bought in 1804, after which it was extensively renovated and given its present appearance in 1844. After the war, the Jewish community was decimated. The synagogue became vacant and could no longer be maintained by the remaining Jews of Alkmaar. In 1954, the Baptists took over the building. They refurbished the building and used it until 2008, the year in which the Baptists moved to another building and the former synagogue became vacant. Alkmaar had meanwhile regained a sizeable Jewish community and there was much enthusiasm for putting the old synagogue back into use. After the necessary negotiations, the Alkmaar Synagogue Foundation (SAS) is indeed granted permission to return the building to its original function. In December 2011, after extensive restoration, the Alkmaar synagogue was put back into use.
Driven photographer with a preference for landscapes and city views as well as closeup work. Often emphasizes details in a larger picture. Often uses different post processing techniques to show the reality as it is experienced, not as it is actually seen. Photography as feeling.
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