3 questions about Amazing Synagogue of Eliyahu in Alexandria
If you are searching for information regarding Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, Explore Egypt Tours will be pleased to present this new and grabbing topic for you. It is regarding Synagogue that is considered one of the most ancient and famous Jewish Synagogue in Alexandria that came back to life again. It is located at 69 Al-Nabi Daniel St., Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.
Kindly, follow the next for the nice story that has been added for the new tourist destination for foreign and domestic tourism.
When did the Jews come to Egypt/Alexandria?
Jews had a great position during the Ptolemaic period, whereas the Ptolemaic kings welcomed them in Egypt from Palestine and settled in it, thus their numbers became increasing and centered from Alexandria to Aswan. Then within the Roman period, their position became more increasing, whereas they got a lot of franchises. Their existence remained in Egypt until the middle of the 20th century.
About the Synagogue:
What was the legend that said about the synagogue?
The synagogue is attributed to Eliyahu Hanavi, one of the prophets of the Israelites who lived in the 8th century B.C. who is mentioned in the Old Testament. It is that he appeared after his death in the place of the synagogue before its building (according to The Jewish community says).
How was the beginning of the synagogue?
- It is considered one of the largest Jewish Synagogue in the Middle East. It is built in 1354 by the Jewish community, but it was bombed by Napoleon Bonaparte for establishing the Chretien barrier during the French campaign in 1798, then it is rebuilt in 1850 by an Italian architect according to contributions and command form Mohamed Ali Dynasty. It is rebuilt on the ruins of the previous synagogue, and the Papa dedicated part of the church for this.
- The Plan: It is divided into two floors that can accommodate 700 worshipers (downstairs for men – upstairs for women), and what the special in that synagogue is that it has an ancient library that contains 63 ancient and archaeological copies of the Torah (Old Testament) and unique books that are back to the 15th century.
- Since that time the synagogue has not been restored and the last using of it was in 2012 because it is damaged due to the rainwater so it is closed for security concerns, so the Minister of Antiquities announced that it has become responsible for restoring it in 2017 and allocated 40 million Egyptian pounds for keeping on the archaeological, historical and Jewish heritage that this monument presents.
- Finally, The Ministry of Antiquities reopened Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue on Jan 10th, 2020 in Alexandria after its restoration for the public with the presence of the Minister of Antiquities, some foreign ambassadors and representatives of the Jews of Egypt to make his chandeliers return to glow again.
Do not make it miss out. Let Explore Egypt Tours help you in your next tour in Alexandria day tour to culturally and historically diverse tour to Greek-Roman place such as (Greek-Roman Museum), to Jewish place such as (Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue), to Christian place such as (The St. Mark Church) and Islamic place such as (Al-Fath Mosque in Abdin) wonderful monuments in one place.
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