Ben Ezra Synagogue
The Ben Ezra Synagogue, Cairo’s oldest Jewish temple, is tucked away in the narrow lanes of Coptic Cairo and dates back to the ninth century. It is now a popular tourist destination, like practically other synagogues in Egypt.
The Synagogue Treasury, a sizable collection of records discovered in the 19th century, provides the most thorough account of mediaeval Judaism in the world by detailing the history and trade of Cairo’s Jewish community from the 11th century onward. However, the University of Cambridge in England now holds these records.
Two different myths claim that the synagogue was built at the temple of Jeremiah or at the place online where the pharaoh’s daughter discovered Moses concealed among the reeds of the Nile.
Describe a synagogue.
The synagogue is best characterized by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a Jewish place of prayer. Additionally, a synagogue was a location where Jews went to learn about their religion and worship.
Formerly known as El Shamien Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo is presently located behind the renowned Hanging He Church in Old Cairo.
An old Bible thought to have been penned by the Prophet Ezra or Al-Azir originally resided in the synagogue. The newborn Moses was discovered in a box at the synagogue’s location, and it is thought that the Pharaoh’s wife took the box away at the time.
In order to pay the annual tax levied by the then-Muslim rulers, Christians surrendered the Ben Ezra Synagogue to Jews in 882 AD. As a result, Abraham ben Ezra, a resident of Jerusalem who arrived under Ahmed ibn Tulun’s rule, paid 20,000 dinars to acquire the church.
The synagogue has undergone numerous renovations and repairs over the years. After the initial collapse, the building that stands now was constructed in 1892. It has two levels and is constructed in a cathedral or rectangular design. Men are only allowed on the first floor, while ladies are only allowed on the second story.
you can visit Ben Ezra Synagogue during your Cairo tours Al Sahel Travel
