Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue Explained

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
Image Upright:1.4
Religious Affiliation:Orthodox Judaism
Rite:Nusach Sefard
Festivals:-->
Organizational Status:-->
Functional Status:Active
Location:69 Nebi Daniel Street, Alexandria
Country:Egypt
Map Type:Egypt Nile Delta
Map Size:250
Map Relief:1
Founded By:Muhammad Ali Dynasty
Funded By:Sir Moses Haim Montefiore
Groundbreaking:1836
Year Completed:1850
Date Destroyed:-->
Capacity:700 worshippers
Materials:Italian marble
Elevation Ft:-->

The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue (ar|كنيس النبي إلياهو; he|בית הכנסת אליהו הנביא) is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at 69 Nabi Daniel Street, Alexandria, Egypt.

History

The current synagogue is located on the site of an earlier synagogue that was completed in 1354.[1] [2] The earlier synagogue was bombed and destroyed by Napoleon's army in 1798, during the French invasion of Egypt.

Construction for the new, current synagogue began in 1836 with contributions from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty[3] and was completed following assistance from Sir Moses Haim Montefiore.[4] The synagogue was completed in 1850 in the Neoclassical style, with Gothic Revival and Byzantine Revival influences.[4]

The synagogue was closed for the 5773 (2012) High Holidays because of security concerns,[5] and subsequently fell into a state of disrepair. In 2017, the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the synagogue in a growing move of keeping its Jewish heritage alive.[6] The synagogue was included on the 2018 World Monuments Fund list of monuments at risk.[7] Following its restoration, the synagogue was rededicated in January 2020, with three Jews present at the ceremony.[8] [9]

Although services are still held in the synagogue, it now caters to a very small community due to the dwindling number of Jews in Alexandria.[10] [11]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Meddeb, Abdelwahab . A history of Jewish-Muslim relations : from the origins to the present day. Stora . Benjamin . Princeton University Press . 2014 . 978-1-4008-4913-0 . Princeton, NJ . 282 . 857364814.
  2. Web site: Hallelujah! Assemble, Pray, Study – Synagogues Past and Present . Beit Hatfutsot . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190926100813/https://dbs.bh.org.il/image/-eliyahu-hanavi-synagogue-alexandria-egypt-1994-36949 . 2019-09-26 .
  3. Book: Hosni . Yousrya Abdel-Aziz . Alexandria: Historical and Archaeological Guide . 2010 . American University in Cairo Press . 978-977-479-185-7 . 95–96 . .
  4. Web site: Gohar, Mohamed . Eliahou Hannabi Synagogue of Alexandria and the Jewish community . Gohar Diaries . 24 December 2017 . 9 October 2024 .
  5. Web site: Jewish festivals cancelled at Alexandria synagogue . Ahram Online .
  6. News: 'A great project for all Egyptians': Egypt to repair synagogue in city of eight Jews. Michaelson. Ruth. September 6, 2017. The Guardian. August 2, 2020.
  7. Web site: Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue . 2018 World Monuments Watch . . 2018 . 9 October 2024 .
  8. Web site: Magnificent synagogue restored in Alexandria . 2020-01-12 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200111235114/https://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Magnificent-synagogue-restored-in-Alexandria-but-only-three-Jews-show-up-613874 . 2020-01-11 . 2020-01-12.
  9. News: Egypt unveils historic Alexandria synagogue after three-year renovation . . 11 January 2020 . 9 October 2024 .
  10. News: Gazzar . Brenda . 23 October 2008 . Alexandria's last Jews sad to see empty shul on Simhat Torah . . 2011-02-17 .
  11. Web site: Replica of Ancient Egypt Synagogue Arrives at Tel Aviv Museum . Ofer . Aderet . June 20, 2012 . .