Christmas 2016: Czech Republic Day 3

Today, we traveled to the Jewish Quarter of Prague. It was an amazing look at the history of Jewish people in the city.

Our first stop was the Old-New Synagogue, which is the oldest Synagogue in Europe, built in 1280.  The Synagogue is the building to the left in the photograph.

The interior of the Synagogue, which is the oldest continually operating Synagogue in the world.

One of the beautiful but simple Stars of David on the walls.

We then walked across the street to Ceremonial Hall, which had a beautiful exhibit of Jewish ceremonies and customs.  The kids thought it was interesting that early gravestones in the graveyard right next door had pictures carved into them to symbolized the deceased's occupation.  

We then walked around the Hall to the Old Jewish Cemetery, with its oldest grave dating to 1439.  Until 1787, this was the only place in the city that the Jewish could bury their dead so there are over 12,000 headstones in this tiny plot of land.  

Many stones were well-preserved while some were crumbling.  The Historical Society was doing their best to preserve each one but it is a difficult task.

After spending some time doing serious sight-seeing, the kids wanted to have a little fun.  We headed back downtown right for the TRDLO stand so Teddy could get his most favorite Czech dessert - dough with chocolate!

A very happy little boy!

"No, Donkey!  You cannot have my TRDLO!  Say Hi to your Mother for me!"

We also found this funky souvenir shop with beautiful painted eggs.  Of course, my silly boys had to take a look.

While Michael and Teddy went ice skating, Ripley (who was too little) and I decided to head into a Christmas market to check out the music.  Ripley fell in love with this jazz band who were playing American standards in a very thick accent.  He cried when we had to leave but one of the musicians was kind enough to take a picture with him!

The band!

We then headed to the Spanish Synagogue, which was the most spectacular building I have ever seen.  I quickly became obsessed with the ceilings and couldn't take enough pictures of the amazing architecture.  I even entered this photo into a photo contest!

It was such a fun day!  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!