Date of issue: 25 September 2008

New Synagogue in Szeged:
The HUF 220 denomination of the special stamp series shows the altar of the New Synagogue in Szeged, while the first day cover depicts the interior of the dome and the postmark is a stylised drawing of David’s lute.
Szeged’s New Synagogue was designed by Lipót Baumhorn in the Sezession style mixing Moorish, Arabic and Mediterranean elements, and was built between 1900-02. It is the second biggest synagogue in Hungary and the fourth biggest in the world with a length of 48 m, a width of 35 m, a height of 48.6 m, and an internal height of 32 m. The synagogue has 740 ground floor seats and 600 in the gallery. Although the synagogue is eclectic, the mix-ture of styles is not disturbing as the colour harmony of the ivory-white, blue and gold walls creates unity as does the moderate use of the different characteristics of style. The stained glass of the dome as well as all the other stained glass was made in the workshop of Miksa Róth. The colourful secession windows on the ground and first floors depict major events from the Jewish religion and Jewish history. Above the main entrance, there is a picture of the Old Synagogue with a boat tied in front of it in remembrance of the great flood of Szeged in 1879.

Synagogue of the Jewish Theological Seminary - University of Jewish Studies:
The HUF 250 denomination of the special stamp series features the altar of the Synagogue of the Jewish Theological Seminary - University of Jewish Studies in Budapest. The ceiling decoration is shown on the accompanying first day cover while the postmark is a stylised drawing of a menorah.
The Synagogue of the Jewish Theological Seminary - University of Jewish Studies has fulfilled its function con-tinuously, without interruption, since 1877. With its 120 seats and organ, the main function of this place of worship in the Jewish religion is to provide a venue for religious services, the house of prayer, where the Sabbath, weekdays, major and pilgrimage festivals are celebrated. The secondary function of this small synagogue, which is nevertheless of great importance to the university, is to serve educational purposes as it acts as a teaching synagogue. Future rabbis hold sermons in the synagogue every Friday night according to a set order. This is also the venue where students of the liturgy department learn the order and ritual of the services for Friday evening, Saturday morning, major festivals and weekdays. Source: hu.wikipedia.org; or-zse.hu

Order code:
2008150050211/stamp series
2008150060112/FDC-Szeged
2008150060212/FDC-Budapest

Date of issue: 25 September 2008
Total face value: HUF 450
Perforated size: 30.7 x 45 mm, 50 stamps/sheet
Number of copies: 200,000 set
Printed by Állami Nyomda Nyrt.
Photograph by Károly SZELÉNYI
Designed by Péter NAGY