Attraction

Kowea Itim le-Tora Prayer House in Krakow: façade and name

A house on Józefa Street that, according to the city authorities, housed a prayer house from the early 19th century. Two Stars of David on its façade carry Hebrew dates, which the city authorities give as 1810 and 1912.

The façade of Józefa 42, with a Hebrew name and two Stars of David, is what you can see of the Kowea Itim le-Tora Prayer House in Krakow. The house, now a residential building, once held a prayer house. The city authorities use the Polish form Dom modlitwy Koba Itim l'Tora (dom modlitwy means prayer house).

Where the Kowea Itim le-Tora Prayer House stands on Józefa Street

The house stands at Józefa 42, two buildings from the High Synagogue and on the way to the Old Synagogue. It is a residential building and its interior is not open to visitors, so you see the façade from Józefa Street.

A Polish description of the building is published by the City of Krakow.

The Hebrew name and two Stars of David on Józefa 42

Two Stars of David flank the Hebrew name of the prayer house on the façade, and each star holds a Hebrew date. Most of what is known about the building comes from this barely visible inscription.

The door frame still shows the mark of the original mezuzah, a small case fixed to a doorpost. Similar marks can be seen on many buildings in Kazimierz.

What the name Kowea Itim le-Tora means

The City of Krakow translates the name as "those who devote time to regular study of the Torah". The inscription suggests that Talmud lessons were held in the building.

History of the Kowea Itim le-Tora Prayer House

From the early 19th century this house, which has one upper floor, held an Orthodox prayer house.

According to the City of Krakow, the two Hebrew dates on the façade correspond to 1810, when the prayer house was founded, and 1912, when it was renewed.

The High Synagogue and other places near Józefa 42

In a straight line, the High Synagogue and the Old Synagogue are each about 50 m from the house. The Isaac Synagogue and Szeroka Street are each about 100 m away.