Prague - the Jewish clock of Josefov, which runs backwards

The “backwards” Hebrew clock in Prague

• It is located at the Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice) in the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) in Prague.

• The building has two clocks:

  • A normal one, with Roman numerals, running forwards.

  • And a Hebrew clock whose dial and hands are reversed – so it runs backwards.

Why backwards?

• The clock runs from right to left because Hebrew is read from right to left.

• This means that the numbers (Hebrew letters) are also arranged in this direction.

• Therefore, the hands move clockwise in the direction of the Hebrew script – that is, contrary to what we consider "normal".

symbolism

• She reminds us that time and perspective are culturally shaped.

• What looks "backwards" is perfectly correct in another system.

• Some also see it as a symbol of the continuation of Jewish tradition, which asserts itself in the midst of a differently functioning world.

Where exactly?

The clock is located on the facade of the Jewish Town Hall, near the Old New Synagogue (the oldest synagogue still in use in Europe), in the Prague district of Josefov, not far from the Vltava River.