the synagogue

We were taken to this beautifully restored synagogue , rabbi's house and school by Pavel Batel , a wonderful ,knowledgeable and engaging guide , after we had visited Terezin with him.The Jewish Community in Ustek dates back to the Middle Ages and the synagogue was built in 1794. It is located in the old " Jewish Lane" , and there is also an old Rabbinical house and small Jewish school in the basement that have been beautifully refurbished . There is an exhibition on Jewish life and Jewish education in the rabbinical house . Unfortunately , the exhibition is in Czech only . A lot of the exhibit is self-explanatory , even if one does not understand the Czech explanations.The synagogue and rabbinical house are not open the whole year round , so it it worth clarifying prior to visiting if it is open and what the hours are .It is also worth coming with a private guide who is able to translate the exhibit from Czech , and explain the historical significance . As explained to us by our guide , Pavel Batel , and also in the official website, 10 Stars :The refurbishment is part of a project " Revitalization of Jewish Monuments in the Czech Republic" .The refurbished synagogue and rabbinical house in Ustek were opened in mid-2014 . The project has enabled the reconstruction, restoration, and preservation of 15 important historical buildings in 10 towns in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. Regional centers of Jewish culture will be created in seven regions in the following locations: Úštěk, Jičín, Brandýs nad Labem, Plzeň, Březnice, Nová Cerekev, Polná, Boskovice, Mikulov and Krnov. These activities included not only the buildings’ construction and restoration, but the majority of the synagogues and rabbinical houses also include permanent exhibitions that, along with other temporary programs (lectures, concerts, screening, theater performances, etc.), inform visitors about Jewish history and Judaism in a unique manner and in an authentic setting.