Hurva Synagogue
Yerushalayim
The Hurva Synagogue, located in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter, is a significant Orthodox Jewish synagogue with a rich and turbulent history. Originally founded in the early 18th century by followers of the mystic Judah HeHasid, it was built on the ruins of a 15th-century synagogue but was destroyed in 1721 due to financial disputes. The site remained a ruin for over a century, earning its name "Hurva," meaning "the ruin." In 1837, the Ashkenazi Jewish community resettled the area, and under Ottoman authorization, a new grand synagogue was constructed from 1864, designed by architect Assad Bey. Known officially as Beis Yaakov Synagogue, it became the main Ashkenazi synagogue in Jerusalem. However, it was destroyed again during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War amid fierce fighting. After decades of debate, the synagogue was rebuilt in its 19th-century style and rededicated in 2010. Today, it stands as a symbol of Jewish resilience, featuring impressive architecture and serving as a spiritual and cultural center in the Old City.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting in the morning or early afternoon for a more peaceful experience and to avoid peak tourist crowds. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, which may help skip lines. Discounts are often available for seniors, students, and groups. Guided tours provide valuable historical context and are recommended to enrich the visit. The synagogue is accessible by foot within the Jewish Quarter, and modest dress is advised out of respect for religious customs.
Interesting facts
- •The name 'Hurva' means 'the ruin,' referencing the synagogue's long period of destruction and abandonment.
- •Excavations at the site revealed remnants from four major settlement periods: First Temple, Second Temple, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
- •The synagogue was designed by Ottoman architect Assad Bey and was completed in 1864.
- •During the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the synagogue was destroyed; sources differ on whether it was deliberately demolished by Arabs or due to shelling by the Jordanian army.
- •After its destruction, a commemorative arch was erected in 1977, becoming a landmark of the Jewish Quarter.
- •The synagogue was rebuilt to its 19th-century design and rededicated in 2010, marking a significant restoration of Jewish heritage in Jerusalem.
History
The Hurva Synagogue was first established in the early 1700s by Ashkenazi Jews led by Judah HeHasid, who sought to create a spiritual center in Jerusalem.
After his death and financial troubles, the synagogue was destroyed in 1721 and left in ruins for over a century.
In 1837, the Perushim community resettled the site, and construction of a new synagogue began in 1864 under Ottoman rule.
This synagogue served as the main Ashkenazi house of worship until its destruction in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
Following the 1967 Six-Day War and Israel's control of East Jerusalem, plans to rebuild the synagogue were delayed, with only a commemorative arch erected in 1977.
Finally, reconstruction was approved in 2000, culminating in the synagogue's rededication in 2010.
Place Guide
Main Sanctuary1864
The heart of the synagogue featuring a large dome and traditional Orthodox Jewish architectural elements, restored faithfully to the 19th-century design.
Commemorative Arch1977
Erected in 1977 on the synagogue site during the period before reconstruction, symbolizing the memory of the original Hurva Synagogue and resilience of the Jewish community.
Archaeological Finds Beneath the Synagogue2003
Excavations uncovered mikvehs (ritual baths) dating back to the First and Second Temple periods, revealing the site's long-standing religious significance.
Contact
Phone: 02-626-5906
