Synagogue Or Zaruah
Melilla
Or Zaruah Synagogue, located in Melilla, Spain, is a notable modernist synagogue constructed between 1925 and 1927. Designed by Enrique Nieto and commissioned by Yamín Benarroch in memory of his father, it is housed within the historicist neo-Arabic Casa de Yamín Benarroch building. The synagogue follows the traditional Sephardic Maghrebi layout, with its main wall oriented eastward toward Jerusalem, featuring the sacred Aron Hakódesh that holds the Sefer Torah scrolls. The interior includes a richly carved wooden pulpit surrounded by seating primarily for men, with women seated separately in the Azará, or women's atrium, behind latticed screens. Architecturally, the building is distinguished by horseshoe arches with alternating white and yellow voussoirs and ornate balconies, reflecting the cultural fusion of Melilla's diverse heritage. The synagogue is part of Melilla's Route of the Temples, a cultural itinerary highlighting the city's main religious sites, underscoring its significance as a center of Jewish religious life and architectural beauty in the region.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the Or Zaruah Synagogue as part of Melilla's Route of the Temples for a comprehensive cultural experience. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when the intricate architectural details are most visible. Advance booking or checking opening times is recommended since it is a religious site. Discounts may be available as part of combined tickets for the Route of the Temples.
Interesting facts
- •The synagogue's name, Or Zaruah, means 'Holy Light' or 'Sacred Light'.
- •It is housed within the Casa de Yamín Benarroch, a building recognized as a Cultural Interest Asset in Melilla.
- •The synagogue follows the traditional Sephardic Maghrebi design, with an east-facing Aron Hakódesh containing the Torah scrolls.
- •The building features horseshoe arches with alternating white and yellow stones, characteristic of neo-Arabic architecture.
- •The synagogue was built as a memorial by Yamín Benarroch for his father and is a key stop on Melilla's Route of the Temples.
History
The Or Zaruah Synagogue was built between 1925 and 1927, designed by architect Enrique Nieto and commissioned by Yamín Benarroch to honor his father.
It is situated within the Casa de Yamín Benarroch, a historicist neo-Arabic building in Melilla's Modernist expansion.
The synagogue reflects the Sephardic Jewish traditions of the Maghreb with its eastward orientation and traditional interior layout.
Since its construction, it has served as the main Jewish temple in Melilla and remains an important cultural and religious landmark.
It is included in the Route of the Temples, established in 2006 to promote Melilla's cultural and religious heritage.
Place Guide
Aron Hakódesh (Holy Ark)1925-1927
The sacred cabinet facing east that holds the Sefer Torah scrolls, central to the synagogue's religious function.
Wooden Pulpit1925-1927
A richly carved wooden pulpit located centrally, used for reading the Torah and leading prayers.
Azará (Women's Atrium)1925-1927
The area at the back of the synagogue where women sit, separated by latticed screens, facing the Aron Hakódesh.
Facade with Horseshoe Arches1925-1927
The building's exterior features distinctive horseshoe arches with alternating white and yellow stones, typical of neo-Arabic design.