Synagoge in Delft - Delft, Zuid Holland, The Netherlands - Synagogues on Waymarking.com

In 1821, the Jewish community in the southern Dutch city of Delft was officially recognized, but services continued to take place in a private apartment on the Pepersteeg. In 1861 the Jewish community acquired the site at Koornmarkt 12 and on October 8th, 1861 began building the synagogue in Neo-Classical style based on designs by Levi (Leon) Winkel. It was inaugurated the following year on August 22nd, 1862 by Chief Rabbi B. S. Berestein from The Hague.

The synagogue was saved from destruction during the German occupation in World War II, but the interior was stolen and could not be found after the war. In 1952 the synagogue had to be sold to the city, and the Jewish community in Delft was merged with that in The Hague about 10 years later. After that, the synagogue stood empty for a few years.

On June 29, 1967, the municipality of Delft placed the synagogue building on the monument list (under the monument number 11841) and commissioned extensive restorations from 1974 onwards. The building was then used for cultural events and also for the music school. But after the music school moved in 1991, it was empty again. In the same year, a foundation for the preservation of the synagogue was set up and on June 27th, 1996 it was able to take over the building from the city again. After further restorations, the synagogue has been available again for Jewish and cultural events since September 18th, 2003. Jewish services of the "OPEN Jewish Congregation Klal Israel" have been taking place since January 2006.

References:
- History of the Synagogue, synagogedelft.nl, Dutch language.
- Plaque outside of the Synagogue