One of the recent initiatives of the Sephardic Heritage Museum has been overseeing and funding the restoration of the Great Synagogue of Aleppo. According to legend, the foundation for this holy place of worship was constructed by King David’s General, Joab Ben Zeruyah (circa 950 BCE), after he conquered the city. Visitors throughout the centuries were impressed by its beauty. An Italian nobleman, Pietro della Valle, who visited the synagogue on August 23, 1625, wrote, “The synagogue of the Jews of Aleppo is known for its beauty and antiquity.”
For 3,000 years this synagogue has been a silent witness to our illustrious community’s steady growth, yet ultimately has been left standing alone as our entire community of over 25,000 emigrated from the area over the course of the past century.
Unfortunately the synagogue was severely damaged in a 1947 riot, but rebuilt again by Murad Guindi, Albert Nakash and Jack Chakalo in the 1980’s. Sadly, the recent civil war in Syria has caused the destruction of the synagogue once again.
We are racing against the clock to restore a proper roof and walls of the Eastern portion of the synagogue, before the winter months when the weather grows too cold. This section is the location in which the newly arrived Spanish Jews prayed in the 1500’s and the area that houses the cave of Eliyahu Hanavi.
This area also protects the graves of our ancestors and many great rabbis of Aleppo, some dating back 2,500 years ago.
Join me in this great mitzvah and community legacy of repairing our Great Synagogue. Your generous donations are greatly appreciated.
Please email rsultan@theshm.com for more information.
