First Jewish House of Prayer

Ałte Rande is a distorted Jewish name derived from “ałte arende” (old lease). This term referred to the former village head’s house, which had been leased by the Berman family since the late 18th century. The Bermans were the initiators of Częstochowa’s separation from the Janów community and the establishment of an independent kahal (Jewish community). In their house, they set up a prayer house and a ritual bath (mikveh) in the building’s basement.

In the 20th century, the name Ałte Rande was transferred to the arch above the adjacent Ptasia Street, which remains from the entrance gate to the 19th-century Jewish district in Częstochowa. This view was used as an emblem by Częstochowa expatriates abroad.