The Birth of a House of Prayer – Hévíz’s Religious Diversity
In the early 20th century, many Jewish guests came to Hévíz to enjoy the healing effects of the lake. As religious visitors needed a place to pray, a modest prayer house was built in 1905 next to the lake's outflow channel, near Ignác Lusztig’s guesthouse called “Jerusalem.” However, the small building quickly became too cramped as the spa resort grew in popularity. (Sharp-eyed readers may spot the prayer house's location on this 1925 map)
By the late 1920s, the growing community and increasing number of spa visitors made it necessary to build a larger, more representative synagogue. One of the key initiators of the new building was Dr. Adolf Kertész, a lawyer from Budapest who was a devoted supporter of Hévíz’s development and religious life. He submitted a request to Prince Tasziló Festetics II, who generously provided land for the synagogue free of charge.
Fundraising began in 1929, and in 1930 the Israelite Synagogue Association of Hévízfürdő was established. It operated fully independently but functioned as a branch of the Keszthely Jewish community. Construction was completed in 1933 at a cost of approximately 20,000 pengő. The town also contributed: the municipal council of Hévízszentandrás donated 1,000 pengő, recognizing the importance of boosting tourism.
1933 – A Ceremonial Inauguration in a Growing Town
The Hévíz synagogue was officially inaugurated on July 2, 1933. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Lajos Glück, chief rabbi of Keszthely, who gave the opening address. Distinguished figures from the spa town and local community were also present, including Sándor Stern, the synagogue’s first trustee, and Mór Weisz, president of the local Jewish community. The event attracted great interest and was significant not only for locals but for visiting spa guests as well.
Caught in the Storm of History
Hévíz was not spared the tragedies of World War II. In 1944, the Jewish community was deported, and many never returned. Several members from Hévíz were taken to Auschwitz. According to records, Dr. Vilmos Schulhof, Hévíz’s spa physician, was also among the Holocaust victims. Dr. Schulhof played a vital role not only as a doctor but also as a community leader.
Many of the synagogue’s former visitors and supporters perished in concentration camps, including Mór Weisz, Sándor Stern, and other local residents.
After the war, the abandoned synagogue remained empty and slowly fell into ruin. By the late 1960s, it was in a dilapidated state and was eventually demolished in 1977. For decades, nothing stood on the site, as if a piece of history had vanished without a trace.
Preserving the Memory
Fortunately, the city of Hévíz did not forget its past. In 2000, a memorial was erected on the site of the former synagogue. Its design recalls the original building and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. The plans were developed with the help of city officials and local historians, and Chief Rabbi Tamás Raj delivered the speech at the unveiling ceremony.
This quiet yet powerful memorial site continues to invite visitors to pay tribute to those who were once an integral part of Hévíz’s community.
Brought Back to Life – Virtually
Though the synagogue no longer stands, today it is possible to explore it through a virtual tour. Thanks to a digital reconstruction, anyone can step inside and imagine what the interior might have looked like in its full glory. (You can view the rotatable 3D model at this link)
If you’re curious to see how the Hévíz synagogue looked in its heyday, click here and explore it through a virtual walk!
