Modlitebňa sefardov (chasidov) v Košiciach

Equally important, although today less well-known, part of Jewish religious architecture in Košice is the Prayer House on Krmanova Street, built in 1922 as one of the smaller sacral buildings of the local Jewish community. It primarily served as a space for daily prayers and religious life for a section of the Orthodox-oriented community, which preferred more intimate and strictly conducted services outside the larger synagogues.

In the context of the Jewish community in Košice at the time, this was a period when religious life was gradually diversifying into several streams, and the community was establishing various types of prayer houses according to liturgical and social needs. Such smaller prayer houses were an important complement to the main synagogues, as they allowed believers to gather regularly in smaller groups and maintain daily religious practice.

The building underwent several architectural modifications during the 20th century, and its original sacred function gradually disappeared. After the Second World War, due to significant demographic changes in the Jewish community in Košice, it was no longer used for religious purposes. Later, it was adapted and today serves as a scientific workplace, gaining a completely new function while still preserving its historical value as a reminder of its original use.

From a historical perspective, this is an interesting example of the transformation of sacral architecture in the city, where only a few such smaller prayer houses have survived. The building thus represents an important trace of the diverse religious life of the Košice Jewish community in the first half of the 20th century.

Source: compiled from regional historical materials on Jewish sacral buildings in Košice (Košice municipal historical and heritage records, documentation of the Jewish community).