Great Synagogue (Tel Aviv)
The synagogue was situated in the heart of Little Tel Aviv, but today it stands in the city's bustling business and financial district. Due to demographic changes in the 1960s, its congregation has dwindled, with the main sanctuary is primarily used for Jewish weddings and special occasions. Daily services are held in a small synagogue on the lower level.
History
A cornerstone for a Great Synagogue was laid in 1913 on Yehuda Halevi Street. However, construction was postponed due to various reasons. In 1914, an architectural competition was held for the new site on Allenby Street, which was won by Richard Michael. With the outbreak of World War I, Michael was unable to complete the project and was replaced by Alexander Baerwald, a Jewish German architect. Construction finally commenced in 1924 based on the plans of Yehuda Magidovitch and was completed in 1926 with support from a donation by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild. The dome was engineered by Arpad Geuthe.
In 1969, architect Aryeh Elhanani led a renovation that modernized the synagogue, adding arches and updating the interior to reflect contemporary tastes in architecture and design.
The synagogue features a large dome, intricate lighting, and stained glass windows that replicate those lost in European synagogues during the Holocaust.
Architect Ze'ev Rechter planned an Italian-style plaza around the synagogue in the late 1930s, although only part of the plan was executed.
Following the King David Hotel bombing in 1946, weapons were discovered in the synagogue's basement. The caretaker, Eliezer Neuman, was subsequently detained by British military authorities and sentenced to a one-year term.
The Great Synagogue hosted the magazine Synagogue from 1946 to 1948. In 1985, scenes from the film Alex Is Lovesick were shot here.
In 2016, restoration efforts began to restore the synagogue's original 1920s appearance, funded by the municipality and a ₪20 million donation from Patrick Drahi. The restoration is expected to be completed in 2027 and it will allow for improved use as a municipal center for religious services, as well as community activity and tourism.
Gallery
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The synagogue, in c. 1940s
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The synagogue interior
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The synagogue interior
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Aerial view of Tel Aviv with the synagogue on the left
See also
References
- ^ Nagler, Danielle (April 21, 2023). "Great Synagogue in Tel Aviv to get massive upgrade, surrounding public square". The Times of Israel. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv official website (Hebrew). The homepage includes times for daily services.
- ^ "Auction item description of: The Great Synagogue – Tel Aviv – A Collection of Reports, 1914-1944". Kedem Auctions. June 1, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "The Great Synagogue". wcities.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
- ^ "The Great Synagogue". Tel Aviv Foundation. 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv to get a facelift". The Jerusalem Post. February 27, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
Acknowledgments
This article incorporates translated information from the Hebrew Wikipedia article, .
External links
- Official website
- Smolski, Chester (n.d.). "Tel Aviv: Great Synagogue on Allenby Road [35 mm slide film]" (photo). Rhode Island College Special Collections. Rhode Island, United States: Rhode Island College. Retrieved September 20, 2024.