The synagogue is the main architectual attraction in the Town on the Trail of Cultures in Biłgoraj. The building has been constracuted based on the model of synangogue located in Wałpa, about 40 kilometers from Grodno in Belarus. That synagogue was most probably founded at the beginning of the 17th century. It was considered as one of the most beautiful wooden buildings of this type of architecture back in those days. It was even called “a masterpiece of wooden architecture”. Unfortunately, it was set on fire by SS officers during Second World War in 1942.
The interior design of the synagogue is very rich in polyrchome paintings. The vault of the synagogue is divided into four levels. On the first level, in the corner fields animals are placed: the lion, leopard, deer and eagle. On the eastern side, you will see a view of Jerusalem. In the south, there will be a two-headed eagle – a symbol of caring for the nation of Israel; and finally in the north of Lewiatan, and from the west, instruments are hanging on the willows. On the second level there will be signs of the zodiac. On the third level, amongst others vegetable plaiting and animals. On the fourth level, the dome will be covered with golden stars on a dark blue background.
Similarly as in the other synagogue’s prototypes (including synagogues from Jabłonowa, Kamionka Strumiłowska, Gwoźdźiec, Połaniec, Mohylewa, Chyrowa, and Chodorów), the composition of the polychrome of the reconstructed synagogue in Biłgoraj will be adapted to the architectural shape. We will take into account the compositional and color principles, developed by the ancient masters, the approach to ornamentation and symbolism.
In the terms of color, however, we would tend to get a slightly burnished color version. The synagogue decorations used to be clear and full of colors: sharp red, blue, green and yellow. Burnishing would suggest the passage of time and give the paintings a more intimate character. We intend to use Kaim silicate paints, specifically produced for wooden surfaces. This type of paint provides a noble matt surface, durability and good quality of pigments. We will do our best to recreate the paintings reliably and at a highest artistic level.
The financial donations can be made to bank acconts specially created for the synagogue’s fundraising project by the Biłgoraj XXI Foundation.
In the title of the transfer please enter – “Donation for finishing the interior of the Synagogue” + Name and surname, name of the organization, company in order to distinguish the donation.
Account number in PLN:
81 9614 0008 2005 0006 7553 0001
Account number in USD:
IBAN/ACCOUNT:
PL43 9614 0008 2005 0006 7553 0006
SWIFT/BIC: POLUPLPR
Account number in EURO:
IBAN/ACCOUNT:
PL16 9614 0008 2005 0006 7553 0007
SWIFT/BIC: POLUPLPR
Fundation – Biłgoraj XXI
Civic Entrepreneurship for the benefit of integration, economic development, culture, tourism and sport and preserving traditions of borderland regions
Adress:
st. I.B. Singera 9
23-400 Biłgoraj
phone. +48 691 032 140
e-mail: fundacja@bilgoraj21.pl