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Origin and history

The synagogue of Lunéville, built in 1786, is the second synagogue erected in the Kingdom of France after the expulsion of the Jews in 1394, succeeding that of Phalsburg. It was built at the initiative of Abraham Isaac Brisac, trustee of the Jews of Lunéville, and designed by architect Augustin-Charles Piroux. Its architecture, devoid of Jewish symbols, evokes a Louis XVI style pavilion, reflecting the demand for discretion imposed by the royal power.

Originally, the synagogue was hidden behind a house to avoid attracting attention, although it is now clear and visible from the street. The façade initially had an inscription in French: "To the God of Israel, by permission of the King of France, 1785", replaced later by a Hebrew quotation from the First Book of Kings. Two years after its construction in 1788, the synagogue of Nancy, also designed by Piroux, was inaugurated.

The building was modified in the 19th century, including the construction of an apse to the east in 1870 and interior redevelopment. Classified as a historical monument since 15 July 1980, it remains a rare testimony of the Jewish presence in Lorraine before the French Revolution. Its current Hebrew inscription, "..."..."""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " ".

The synagogue is located at 5 Castara Street (or 7 according to sources), in the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle, in the Greater East. Today it belongs to an association and retains a major heritage value, illustrating both the history of the Jews in France and the evolution of architectural practices under the Ancien Régime.

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