The synagogue was founded by Isaac Jakubowicz after he received appropriate authorization from the Polish king Wladyslaw IV on April 30, 1638. He was a banker and merchant and died in 1653. The synagogue opened in 1644. The synagogue is now home to Chabad. A shop inside sells kosher food, sweets, Jewish calendars and other items, and around the back you'll find Szalom Falafel - Kraków's only kosher fast food restaurant.