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Ben Ezra Synagogue

Explore the historical and cultural significance of the Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo's oldest Jewish temple. Discover its unique architecture, rich history from the 9th century, and the Cairo Geniza treasure. A testament to the coexistence of different faiths in Egypt, this site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Ben Ezra Synagogue - Egypt Tours Portal
Overview
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Location Cairo, Egypt
Completed 1892
Length 17 meters (56 ft)
Width 11.3 meters (37 ft)
Affiliation Orthodox Judaism
Rite Sephardic

Summary

  • The Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in the Fustat area of Old Cairo, is one of Egypt's most extraordinary artifacts, with a history dating back to at least 882 AD. It has undergone various reconstructions and renovations over the centuries.
  • Originally a Christian church, the synagogue was sold to a Jewish group and transformed into a place of worship and religious teachings. It served as a pilgrimage site for North African Jews and a venue for massive festival celebrations.
  • The current building, dating back to 1892, features basilica-style architecture with separate floors for men and women, an octagonal marble bima for Torah reading, and decorations that reflect Ottoman arabesque and a mix of Hatai and Roman influences.
  • The synagogue was home to the Cairo Geniza, a treasure trove of rare documents recording the history of Cairo's Jewish community since the 11th century, now stored at Cambridge University in England.
  • Despite the departure of the majority of the Egyptian Jewish community in the 1950s, the Ben Ezra Synagogue remains an important tourist attraction, showcasing the historical coexistence of different faiths in Cairo and offering a unique blend of architectural styles.

Egypt is the home of many extraordinary artifacts from many eras and beliefs, such as Judaism. One of these beautiful monuments is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which is located right behind the Hanging Church, which is rumored to be where the box of Baby Moses was found by the pharaoh’s daughter.

In ancient Greece, the word "Synagogue" meant "The Usual Place That Jews Gather to Worship and Receive Religious Teachings". It was a place of pilgrimage for North African Jews and a holy location for massive festival celebrations.

Ben Ezra Synagogue History

Ben Ezra Synagogue History - Egypt Tours Portal
Ben Ezra Synagogue History - Egypt Tours Portal

In 882 AD, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria sold a church and its land to a Jewish group, which led to the creation of the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Then, around 1012, during the rule of Fatimid caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, a harsh decree ordered the destruction of Jewish and Christian places of worship, leading to the demise of the original synagogue.

Afterward, under the next caliph, al-Zahir li-i'zaz Din Allah allowed for the reconstruction of Jewish and Christian sites. Between 1025 and 1040, the Ben Ezra Synagogue was reconstructed. Since then, it has undergone various renovations and rebuilds spanning centuries up to the present day.

Ben Ezra Synagogue Location and How to Get It

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is located in the Fustat area of Old Cairo, in the historic Jewish quarter of Cairo, within the complex of religions, which also includes several churches and mosques. You can take various modes of transportation depending on your starting point, such as a taxi, bus, or metro.

Ben Ezra Synagogue Facts

Ben Ezra Synagogue Facts - Egypt Tours Portal
Ben Ezra Synagogue Facts - Egypt Tours Portal

It was the oldest and most important Jewish temple in Egypt in the 19th century. A treasure was found in a hiding place for sacred books and worn-out Torah scrolls containing thousands of rare documents that recorded the history of Cairo’s community since the 11th during the medieval era in Egypt. These documents are now stored at Cambridge University in England.

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It is rumored that the synagogue once held a copy of the original Old Testament. It's considered an important tourist attraction since the majority of the Egyptian Jewish community left in the 1950s, following the occupation of Palestine, the founding of Israel, and the Free Officer’s Revolution.

Ben Ezra Synagogue Architecture

Ben Ezra Synagogue Architecture - Egypt Tours Portal
Ben Ezra Synagogue Architecture - Egypt Tours Portal

The current building, dating back to 1892, underwent extensive renovations after the collapse of the original temple. Ben Ezra synagogue has basilica-style architecture and two floors: the first for men and the second for women. The main floor is divided into three parts separated by steel bars, and right in the center is an octagonal marble bima, "A Platform for Torah Reading".

All the decorations, like the star patterns, rectangles, and pentagonal patterns, go back to the Turkish period; Ottoman arabesque and a mixture of Hatai and Roman decorations are also found there.

Why is the Ben Ezra Synagogue Important?

Ben Ezra Synagogue Importance - Egypt Tours Portal
Ben Ezra Synagogue Importance - Egypt Tours Portal

The Ben Ezra Synagogue stands as a testament to the historical coexistence of different faiths in Cairo. It's the oldest synagogue in Egypt, dating back to at least the 9th century AD. It is believed to be situated on the site where the pharaoh's daughter discovered the baby Moses in the bulrushes.

It used to be a Christian church before it was sold and then transformed into a synagogue, which is why it showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Islamic and Jewish influences. The synagogue housed a vast collection of religious and everyday documents known as the Cairo Geniza in the 9th century.

Surround Yourself with More Unique Allure

Ben Ezra Synagogue consider being one of the top Cairo tourist attractions, it attracts thousands of tourists all over the year so check our Cairo day tours if you are in Cairo or explore our Egypt private tours and choose the vacation you and let us arrange you to visit Ben Ezra Synagogue if you prefer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Historical Significance of Ben Ezra Synagogue?

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in Egypt, dating back to the 9th century. It holds historical significance as a site of Jewish worship and as a place where the Cairo Geniza, a valuable collection of Jewish manuscripts, was discovered.

Where is Ben Ezra Synagogue Located?

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is located in Old Cairo, Egypt, in an area known as Coptic Cairo, which is home to several other historical religious sites.

What is the Cairo Geniza and Why is It Important?

The Cairo Geniza is a collection of approximately 300,000 Jewish manuscript fragments found in the storeroom (Geniza) of the Ben Ezra Synagogue. These documents, dating from the 6th to the 19th centuries, provide valuable insights into the religious, social, and economic life of the Jewish community in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.

Can Visitors Tour Ben Ezra Synagogue?

Yes, visitors can tour the Ben Ezra Synagogue. It is a popular tourist attraction in Cairo, and guided tours are available that provide insights into the synagogue's history and architecture, as well as the story of the Cairo Geniza.

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

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