Ceremonial Hall, Prague

Just to your left upon exiting the Old Jewish Cemetery stands a structure reminiscent of an ancient castle or stately manor. This is the Ceremonial Hall, prompting curiosity about its history. Regrettably, there's little remarkable tale attached to it.

Constructed in the early 1900s with a striking mock Romanesque design, the hall was entrusted to the Jewish Burial Society. It served as both a ceremonial hall and mortuary, where esteemed members of the Jewish community were prepared for burial. Remarkably, this building was spared by the Nazis during their occupation, earmarked to be part of their envisioned "Museum to an Extinct Race".

Today, under the ownership of the Jewish Museum, the Ceremonial Hall hosts permanent exhibitions. One exhibit focuses on illness, death, and vivid depictions of ancient burial customs, featuring examples of gravestones, tombs, memorials, and donated paintings from the Burial Society. Another exhibit, less somber in tone, forms Part II of the Jewish Customs and Traditions Exhibition (with Part I housed in the nearby Klausen Synagogue). It delves into the everyday lives of Jewish households across centuries, offering intriguing insights into their customs and traditions. It's a fascinating and educational experience, well worth a visit.