Abuhav Synagogue
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The Abuhav Synagogue is located in Tzfat, Northern Israel. It was originaly created during the 16th Century and named after Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav. It is one of the oldest synagogues in Safed and is currently a tourist attraction for the city's visitors. Minyonim take place daily in the Abuhav Synagogue as well as Shabbot services. | The Abuhav Synagogue is located in Tzfat, Northern Israel. It was originaly created during the 16th Century and named after Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav. It is one of the oldest synagogues in Safed and is currently a tourist attraction for the city's visitors. Minyonim take place daily in the Abuhav Synagogue as well as Shabbot services. | ||
| − | == Origins == | + | == Origins [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] == |
Tradition relates that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav, a Spanish (some say Portuguese) 15th century rabbi, built the Abuhav synagogue in Spain (or Portugal) and it was magically transported to Tzfat by Rabbi Suliman Ochana during a Kabalistic ceremony. Others say that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav planned out the synagogue in his homeland and his students commissioned its construction when they arrived in Tzfat. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav handwrote a Torah scroll which is still in use at the shul. | Tradition relates that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav, a Spanish (some say Portuguese) 15th century rabbi, built the Abuhav synagogue in Spain (or Portugal) and it was magically transported to Tzfat by Rabbi Suliman Ochana during a Kabalistic ceremony. Others say that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav planned out the synagogue in his homeland and his students commissioned its construction when they arrived in Tzfat. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav handwrote a Torah scroll which is still in use at the shul. | ||
| − | === Destruction and Relocation === | + | === Destruction and Relocation [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
The original Abuhav synagogue was built in the existing 15th century Jewish Quarter, near the cemetery. After it was destroyed in the 1759 earthquake, survivors moved the Abuhav Torah scroll, which had remained intact, to a safer area and rebuilt the Abuhav synagogue further up the mountain. | The original Abuhav synagogue was built in the existing 15th century Jewish Quarter, near the cemetery. After it was destroyed in the 1759 earthquake, survivors moved the Abuhav Torah scroll, which had remained intact, to a safer area and rebuilt the Abuhav synagogue further up the mountain. | ||
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The Abuhav synagogue was again almost completely destroyed in the 1837 earthquake that leveled the town. The wall holding the Ark and the synagogue’s Torah scrolls, including Rabbi Abuhav’s Torah scroll, remained standing. Several years after the earthquake an Italian philanthropist, Yitzhak Gueta, committed funds to rebuild the Abuhov synagogue. He brought in architects, builders and craftsmen to create a beautiful shul. Care was taken to reconstruct the Abuhav synagogue with similar design and dimensions of the original building. | The Abuhav synagogue was again almost completely destroyed in the 1837 earthquake that leveled the town. The wall holding the Ark and the synagogue’s Torah scrolls, including Rabbi Abuhav’s Torah scroll, remained standing. Several years after the earthquake an Italian philanthropist, Yitzhak Gueta, committed funds to rebuild the Abuhov synagogue. He brought in architects, builders and craftsmen to create a beautiful shul. Care was taken to reconstruct the Abuhav synagogue with similar design and dimensions of the original building. | ||
| − | == Construction and Style == | + | == Construction and Style [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] == |
The Abuhav synagogue was constructed in the style of a Sepharadi synagogue and contains much Kabalistic symbolism in its design and structure. | The Abuhav synagogue was constructed in the style of a Sepharadi synagogue and contains much Kabalistic symbolism in its design and structure. | ||
| − | === Torah Scrolls and Arks === | + | === Torah Scrolls and Arks [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
There are three Torah Arks in the Abuhav synagogue standing along the southern wall facing Jerusalem. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav’s Torah scroll, along with a scroll written by Rabbi Suliman Ochana, is still housed in the same Ark which survived the 1837 earthquake. Congregants only take out the Abuhav scroll on three specific Jewish holidays, [[Rosh Hashanah]], Yom Kippur and Shavouth. Two other Arks sit alongside the right Ark containing the Rabbi Abuhav scroll. In the left Ark, old manuscripts and books are stored while the center Ark holds the Torah scrolls used during the rest of the year. During the era when the Turks ruled Israel, Turkish law stated that any non-Islamic place of prayer must also hold a copy of the Koran. Therefore, during Turkish rule, one Ark held the Koran. | There are three Torah Arks in the Abuhav synagogue standing along the southern wall facing Jerusalem. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav’s Torah scroll, along with a scroll written by Rabbi Suliman Ochana, is still housed in the same Ark which survived the 1837 earthquake. Congregants only take out the Abuhav scroll on three specific Jewish holidays, [[Rosh Hashanah]], Yom Kippur and Shavouth. Two other Arks sit alongside the right Ark containing the Rabbi Abuhav scroll. In the left Ark, old manuscripts and books are stored while the center Ark holds the Torah scrolls used during the rest of the year. During the era when the Turks ruled Israel, Turkish law stated that any non-Islamic place of prayer must also hold a copy of the Koran. Therefore, during Turkish rule, one Ark held the Koran. | ||
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When the Munchaker Rebbe visited the Abuhav Shul in 1930 he requested to see the ancient torah scroll. He carried it to the Bima read from it and then returned the scroll to its Ark. | When the Munchaker Rebbe visited the Abuhav Shul in 1930 he requested to see the ancient torah scroll. He carried it to the Bima read from it and then returned the scroll to its Ark. | ||
| − | === The Bima === | + | === The Bima [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
The “Bima” -- the area where the person leading the prayers stands -- is elevated in the center of the men’s section of the Abuhav synagogue. There are six steps leading up to the bima, representing the six days of the week which lead up to the week’s “crown”, the Sabbath. | The “Bima” -- the area where the person leading the prayers stands -- is elevated in the center of the men’s section of the Abuhav synagogue. There are six steps leading up to the bima, representing the six days of the week which lead up to the week’s “crown”, the Sabbath. | ||
| − | === Chair of Eliyaho === | + | === Chair of Eliyaho [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
Facing the main Ark is a chair of Eliyaho that is used for Bris ceremonies. This chair was dedicated in honor of the six million Jews that perished during the Holocaust. | Facing the main Ark is a chair of Eliyaho that is used for Bris ceremonies. This chair was dedicated in honor of the six million Jews that perished during the Holocaust. | ||
| − | === Courtyard === | + | === Courtyard [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
The Abuhov Shul has a large courtyard that must be crossed to reach the actual synagogue. This courtyard was created to give worshipers the opportunity to properly compose their thoughts before entering the holy sanctuary. | The Abuhov Shul has a large courtyard that must be crossed to reach the actual synagogue. This courtyard was created to give worshipers the opportunity to properly compose their thoughts before entering the holy sanctuary. | ||
| − | === Women’s Section === | + | === Women’s Section [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
The women’s section is upstairs and women have a separate door that leads them to their area. | The women’s section is upstairs and women have a separate door that leads them to their area. | ||
| − | === Ceiling === | + | === Ceiling [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] === |
The ceiling has several connecting domes, ringed with painted designs of birds and other animals. It also contains images of musical instruments used by the Leveim in the Bais Hamikdash and four crowns, representing spiritual statures. The synagogue’s interior contains a large percentage of blue, the Kabbalistic symbol of the heavens. Many people call the Abuhav synagogue “The Blue Synagogue.” | The ceiling has several connecting domes, ringed with painted designs of birds and other animals. It also contains images of musical instruments used by the Leveim in the Bais Hamikdash and four crowns, representing spiritual statures. The synagogue’s interior contains a large percentage of blue, the Kabbalistic symbol of the heavens. Many people call the Abuhav synagogue “The Blue Synagogue.” | ||
| − | == Location and Services == | + | == Location and Services [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] == |
The Abuhav synagogue is located on Abuhav Street. It has daily “minyans” -- prayer quorums -- including a “Netz” early morning minyan. The congregants at the Abuhav Shul follow Sepharadi prayer traditions. During the month of “Elul” preceding Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) and in the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, many visitors come to Abuhav throughout the night to experience the moving “Slichot” penitence prayers. | The Abuhav synagogue is located on Abuhav Street. It has daily “minyans” -- prayer quorums -- including a “Netz” early morning minyan. The congregants at the Abuhav Shul follow Sepharadi prayer traditions. During the month of “Elul” preceding Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) and in the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, many visitors come to Abuhav throughout the night to experience the moving “Slichot” penitence prayers. | ||
| − | == Lebanon War == | + | == Lebanon War [[File:uparrow.jpg|link=#top]] == |
The Abuhav Synagogue experienced a modern-day miracle during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. The Abuhav Shul is two doors away from the Alsheich Synagogue. A katyusha rocket landed in-between the two synagogues, alongside the Abuhav’s southern wall. The building where the rocket landed was completely destroyed but neither the Abuhav’s Torah scrolls nor the Alsheich, the oldest standing synagogue in Tzfat, were affected. | The Abuhav Synagogue experienced a modern-day miracle during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. The Abuhav Shul is two doors away from the Alsheich Synagogue. A katyusha rocket landed in-between the two synagogues, alongside the Abuhav’s southern wall. The building where the rocket landed was completely destroyed but neither the Abuhav’s Torah scrolls nor the Alsheich, the oldest standing synagogue in Tzfat, were affected. | ||
Revision as of 16:12, 5 October 2011
(Hebrew: / Spelling: Abuhov, Aboab / Other Names: Abuhav Shul, Abuhav Beit Knesset, The Blue Synagogue / Definition: Old synagogue in Safed, Israel)
The Abuhav Synagogue is located in Tzfat, Northern Israel. It was originaly created during the 16th Century and named after Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav. It is one of the oldest synagogues in Safed and is currently a tourist attraction for the city's visitors. Minyonim take place daily in the Abuhav Synagogue as well as Shabbot services.
Contents |
Origins File:Uparrow.jpg
Tradition relates that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav, a Spanish (some say Portuguese) 15th century rabbi, built the Abuhav synagogue in Spain (or Portugal) and it was magically transported to Tzfat by Rabbi Suliman Ochana during a Kabalistic ceremony. Others say that Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav planned out the synagogue in his homeland and his students commissioned its construction when they arrived in Tzfat. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav handwrote a Torah scroll which is still in use at the shul.
Destruction and Relocation File:Uparrow.jpg
The original Abuhav synagogue was built in the existing 15th century Jewish Quarter, near the cemetery. After it was destroyed in the 1759 earthquake, survivors moved the Abuhav Torah scroll, which had remained intact, to a safer area and rebuilt the Abuhav synagogue further up the mountain.
The Abuhav synagogue was again almost completely destroyed in the 1837 earthquake that leveled the town. The wall holding the Ark and the synagogue’s Torah scrolls, including Rabbi Abuhav’s Torah scroll, remained standing. Several years after the earthquake an Italian philanthropist, Yitzhak Gueta, committed funds to rebuild the Abuhov synagogue. He brought in architects, builders and craftsmen to create a beautiful shul. Care was taken to reconstruct the Abuhav synagogue with similar design and dimensions of the original building.
Construction and Style File:Uparrow.jpg
The Abuhav synagogue was constructed in the style of a Sepharadi synagogue and contains much Kabalistic symbolism in its design and structure.
Torah Scrolls and Arks File:Uparrow.jpg
There are three Torah Arks in the Abuhav synagogue standing along the southern wall facing Jerusalem. Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav’s Torah scroll, along with a scroll written by Rabbi Suliman Ochana, is still housed in the same Ark which survived the 1837 earthquake. Congregants only take out the Abuhav scroll on three specific Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Shavouth. Two other Arks sit alongside the right Ark containing the Rabbi Abuhav scroll. In the left Ark, old manuscripts and books are stored while the center Ark holds the Torah scrolls used during the rest of the year. During the era when the Turks ruled Israel, Turkish law stated that any non-Islamic place of prayer must also hold a copy of the Koran. Therefore, during Turkish rule, one Ark held the Koran.
Great care is taken never to remove the Abuhav scroll aside from the three allotted times. When the scroll was moved in the wake of the 1759 earthquake, all ten volunteers involved, passed away within that year.
When the Munchaker Rebbe visited the Abuhav Shul in 1930 he requested to see the ancient torah scroll. He carried it to the Bima read from it and then returned the scroll to its Ark.
The Bima File:Uparrow.jpg
The “Bima” -- the area where the person leading the prayers stands -- is elevated in the center of the men’s section of the Abuhav synagogue. There are six steps leading up to the bima, representing the six days of the week which lead up to the week’s “crown”, the Sabbath.
Chair of Eliyaho File:Uparrow.jpg
Facing the main Ark is a chair of Eliyaho that is used for Bris ceremonies. This chair was dedicated in honor of the six million Jews that perished during the Holocaust.
Courtyard File:Uparrow.jpg
The Abuhov Shul has a large courtyard that must be crossed to reach the actual synagogue. This courtyard was created to give worshipers the opportunity to properly compose their thoughts before entering the holy sanctuary.
Women’s Section File:Uparrow.jpg
The women’s section is upstairs and women have a separate door that leads them to their area.
Ceiling File:Uparrow.jpg
The ceiling has several connecting domes, ringed with painted designs of birds and other animals. It also contains images of musical instruments used by the Leveim in the Bais Hamikdash and four crowns, representing spiritual statures. The synagogue’s interior contains a large percentage of blue, the Kabbalistic symbol of the heavens. Many people call the Abuhav synagogue “The Blue Synagogue.”
Location and Services File:Uparrow.jpg
The Abuhav synagogue is located on Abuhav Street. It has daily “minyans” -- prayer quorums -- including a “Netz” early morning minyan. The congregants at the Abuhav Shul follow Sepharadi prayer traditions. During the month of “Elul” preceding Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) and in the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, many visitors come to Abuhav throughout the night to experience the moving “Slichot” penitence prayers.
Lebanon War File:Uparrow.jpg
The Abuhav Synagogue experienced a modern-day miracle during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. The Abuhav Shul is two doors away from the Alsheich Synagogue. A katyusha rocket landed in-between the two synagogues, alongside the Abuhav’s southern wall. The building where the rocket landed was completely destroyed but neither the Abuhav’s Torah scrolls nor the Alsheich, the oldest standing synagogue in Tzfat, were affected.