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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