A synagogue is a sacred place for prayer, study and fellowship. They also have some of the most spectacular designs in the world, making them popular with visiting travelers both Jewish and non-Jewish. Are you going on Jewish trip — or at least planning to? These synagogues are definite must-visits for you. Eldridge Street Synagogue, New York City The Eldridge Street Synagogue is one of the first synagogues in the United States. Found in the Lower East Sid, This place of worship is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The synagogue was reopened in 2007 after 20 years or renovation work, and the result was breathtaking. Standing 50 foot tall and 3060 square feet wide, the synagogue can hold up to 1000 worshippers. Its center of attraction is the walnut ark that holds 24 Torah scrolls. Standing majestically, the ark’s carvings imitate the details you can see on the building’s façade. Rykestrasse Synagogue, Berlin The biggest synagogue in Berlin, Rykestrasse has miraculously survived the Nazis and World War II without any damage. Designed by architect Johann Hoeniger, the design resembles a neo-Romanesque basilica and can house up to 2000 people. However, as time went by, it has deteriorated, but designers have painstakingly revived the original beauty of the synagogue with only old pictures to follow. They redid the walls and the woodworks, restored the blue dome above the altar plus added modern stained glass windows. Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rykestrasse_Synagogue#/media/File:Berlin_Synagoge_Rykestrasse_Eingang.JPG Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, Mumbai Built in 1884, the synagogue structure is a mixture of Gothic-Victorian and neo-classical design with grey as the initial dominant color. When it was being repainted, it was accidentally changed to the color blue instead. The synagogue has been blue since then. On the inside, you’ll see stained glass with designs inspired by Indian flora and fauna. You will also see the main prayer hall for the men while the women are designated at the balcony. Jubilee Synagogue, Prague, Czech Republic The Jubilee Synagogue in Prague is also unique because of its interior decor. The insides are adorned in a rich Art Nouveau style mixed with the Moorish style. Inside the synagogue, you will see colorful aisles, stuccos and wall paintings. You will also see the big arch and David’s Star on a rose-window. Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest This Moorish styled synagogue is the second largest synagogue in the world, making it one of the top most visited tourist destinations in Budapest. As you enter, you will really feel that it is a house of worship. The overall design is crafted in an artisan’s style, but you can also see some Romantic and Gothic features. Some of the unique features of this synagogue is that it has pipe organs and its own cemetery. The synagogue can hold up to 3,000 people. Big events such as concerts have been held there. By visiting these synagogues, you will not only have the best Jewish vacation, but you are given an opportunity to better understand the culture and history of the fellow Jews who live there.
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Did you know that the Jews lived in Italy longer than in any country? Aside from Israel, of course. For two thousand years, they were able to preserve their culture and traditions including art, books, synagogues and more. Hence, if you are planning to go on a kosher Europe tour for the first time, Italy is the ideal place. Let us go through the two most visited places in Italy that are also home to amazing Jewish heritage sites. Venice The first Italian Jewish community may have settled in Rome, but it is in Venice that you will best get to know the life of Italy’s Jews. Venice will expose you to one of the oldest and most enduring Jewish communities in Europe. The most known Jewish heritage site is The Ghetto, which was instituted in 1516. Touring around the Ghetto will give you a new insight into the religious practices of the Jews in the past that are still observed until today. Here are some other noteworthy sites to visit in Venice:
Milan Milan has the second largest Jewish community in Italy. The Jews in Milan experienced much persecution since 1320. But after four centuries, they were given full rights under Austrian rule in 1714. Right now, Milan has around 35,000 Jews and has a Hebrew school with about 1000 students. The most notable Jewish site in Milan is the central synagogue, along with seven other synagogues around the city. The central synagogue was burned down during the World War II, so all of the synagogues have been modernized. Here are some sites you should visit:
Moreover, Milan is known as the center of Italian fashion. While touring, you can go enjoy a full day of shopping and window shopping at Europe’s oldest shopping arcade. The Italian Jews have made great contributions to Italy’s history, which you can learn on specialized Jewish heritage tours. Going on a Jewish trip to Italy will not only give you insight into the Jewish community and history there, but let you understand Italy’s culture and traditions as well. |
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