About Us

Towards the end of the 19th century, the first Jews settled in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's newer neighbourhoods at that time. In 1886 these Jews formed the society "Hulpe Israëls" (Israel's Help); in 1892 the society built its own synagogue at Gerard Dou street 238.

Until World War II the synagogue at Gerard Dou street flourished. It was known as a place where intellectuals and rabbis prayed together with laborers. Daily services were well-attended, and the synagogue maintained an active program of study for its members.

On Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) 1943, the synagogue held its last service of the war years. Nestled between two row-houses on the narrow Gerard Dou street, the synagogue remained unnoticed by the Germans. Due to the watchful eyes of its neighbours, the building survived the war. The first service in Holland after World War II was held at the Gerard Dou street synagogue on the second Shabbat morning after May 5, 1945. At that time it was the only Ashkenazi synagogue in Amsterdam which could be used.

Present Time

Nowadays the Gerard Dou street synagogue, the oldest functioning Ashkenazi synagogue in Amsterdam, holds a special place in Amsterdam's Jewish Orthodox community. Regular services are held on Shabbat and holidays, and the shul has its own rabbi and cantor.

The traditional Dutch-Jewish melodies and rituals, the beautiful, recently restored interior and the gezellige (cozy) atmosphere make services at the Gerard Dou street shul exceptional. Visitors of all backgrounds come from great distances because they feel so at home at Gerard Dou. First-time visitors are always warmly welcomed, and this special friendliness has attracted many young people to the shul. The membership of the synagogue is small, so each individual is important to the welfare of the shul.

At the initiative of some of the synagogue's younger members, the community room in the building---also newly-renovated---is now used for a communal Seder, Sukkot dinners (during Sukkot the room is transformed into a Sukka) and other events.