| Beit Rachel Synagogue | |
| Religious Affiliation: | Judaism |
| Municipality: | Astana |
| Country: | Kazakhstan |
| Map Type: | Kazakhstan |
Beit Rachel Synagogue is a synagogue in Astana, Kazakhstan. Opened on September 7, 2004,[1] [2] it is the largest synagogue in Central Asia.
Its opening ceremony was attended by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger.[3] Its construction was funded by Kazakh-Israeli billionaire Alexander Mashkevitch.[4] [5] The synagogue is named after Rachel Joffe, mother of Alexander Mashkevich, leader of Kazakh Jewry and president of the EAJC.[6] The Jakarta Post describes the synagogue, a rare example of its kind a Muslim-majority country, as "a symbol of how a Muslim country can build and sustain a peaceful relationship between Islam and Judaism."[7]
The area of the Beit Rachel Synagogue is 5,6 thousand square meters. meters (~ 60 thousand square ft). The roof reaches a height of 25 meters (82 ft). The top of the roof is decorated with the star of David, which is a symbol of faith and community. Inside there are separate prayer halls for men and women. There are rooms for overnight accommodation during the holy day of Shabbat.