“Among the most beautiful synagogues of Western Europe”: A virtual reconstruction of the Rotterdam synagogue of the Boompjes (1725-1940)

In May 1940 the synagogue of the Boompjes (dedicated in 1725) was destroyed during the German bombing of Rotterdam. As very few members of the Rotterdam Jewish community survived the war, the synagogue was never reconstructed and eventually forgotten. Inspired by similar reconstruction projects, the current article will present a computer model of the synagogue of the Boompjes. The actual building's architectural history will be discussed briefly, as will the model's creation. The rationale for virtually reconstructing the synagogue will also be addressed.