Paramaribo, Keizerstraat 82. Dutch-Israelite synagogue "Ne Ve Salom" (house of peace).

In 1719, a new synagogue "Ne Ve Salom" was constructed by master carpenter Abraham van Edam. The building was consecrated in the year 1722. In 1724 however, a schism occurred between the Sephardim and the Ashkenazim, and a separate Ashkenazi community, the "hoogduitse joodsche gemeenschap", was founded. The Sephardim generously donated the synagogue to the Ashkenazim, and built their own synagogue at Heerenstraat.

In 1833, a survey was carried out on the then 114-year-old synagogue. The building was in a bad state, and was beyond repair. The assembly of Parnassijns took the decision to construct a completely new synagogue. In 1834 two master carpenters were asked to provide a plan for the new building. After careful consideration, the plan of Jan Francois Halfhide was chosen for execution. Construction was officially started in on July 3rd 1835 by the Dutch Prince Willem Frederik Hendrik, as is remembered on a memorial inscription in the building:

"....Op den 6 Tamuz 5595, overeenkomende met den 3 Julij 1835, is deze sijnagoge opgerigt, en de eerste Pen geslagen door Z: K: H: Prins Willem Frederik Hendrik, derden zoon van Z: M: Willem I I Koning der Nederlanden / Architecto I: F: Halfhide A:o 1842, donavit C: J. v. West......."

Jan Francois Halfhide proved to be an excellent choice. Anyone visiting the building today, will still be impressed by his superb craftsmanship and thorough knowledge of the modern architectural style of his day. Originally, the building was designed without a portico, but this was not considered satisfactory for such a grand building. Therefore, Halfhide, in collaboration with the young architect Johan August Voigt, added the magnificent portico at the front of the building. Total construction costs were f 56.756,-, and it was not at all easy for the Ashkenazi community to obtain this gigantic sum. But: all well that ends well, and the building was consecrated with much ceremony on ......., 1737.

The layout of the building still follows the Amsterdam example of two centuries before. The Hechal is placed at the eastern wall, in the direction of Jerusalem, while the Teba is situated at the western wall. The seating is placed at both sides of the central axis between Hechal and Teba.

For an interior view click here

For an enlargement of the superb cabinet that was designed by architect Jan Francois Halfhide and constructed by local craftsmen out of Surinamese mahogany woods you can click here

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