Hârlău, a small town in the north of Iași County, was the capital of Moldavia in the 15th century. A Jewish settlement is documented there from 1742, and in 1899 it had 2,718 Jews — about three-fifths of the population — mostly merchants and craftsmen, many of them Hasidim of the rebbe of Pașcani. In the war its Jews suffered Legionary persecution, but according to Radio Romania International they were not evacuated in June 1941, thanks to the mayor. Of its five synagogues the Great Synagogue of 1812–1814 survives, together with two cemeteries.
In Hârlău, an early capital of Moldavia, Jews were about three-fifths of the population at the end of the 19th century. One of its five synagogues survives, built in 1812–1814, and in the war,…
In Hârlău, an early capital of Moldavia, Jews were about three-fifths of the population at the end of the 19th century. One…
The Federation’s directory lists no Jewish community in Hârlău. The nearest registered community is in Botoșani, about 40 km away as the crow flies.
Details from the community directory of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Contact the community before visiting to arrange access to the synagogue or cemetery and to ask about a minyan and kosher food. FCER community directory
str. Mușatinilor 5 · Built in 1814
From the list of synagogues of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Synagogues marked “In use” are listed as functioning. The others still stand but may be closed or used as a museum or hall. Arrange visits with the community in advance. FCER list
str. Stejar 24
str. Eternităţii 20
From the Federation’s cemetery list (2007). Arrange visits in advance with the community, which holds the keys.
Map of Jewish cemeteries in RomaniaAstronomical calculation for the town-centre coordinates, sea-level horizon, Romanian time: dawn 16.1°, tallit & tefillin 11.5°, nightfall 7.083°, candle lighting 18 minutes before sunset, Shabbat ends 8.5°. For orientation only; consult a rabbi on questions of halacha.
According to the chains’ own websites. Branch addresses and hours are in each chain’s store locator.
Hundreds of products from Romanian supermarkets with a recognised hechsher. In the catalogue you can filter by the chain you shop at.
Open the kosher catalogueGeneral guidance for travellers. For any kashrut question, consult a rabbi.
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