Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue was opened on January 10, 2020, after years of being closed for restoration. It is considered one of the most important Jewish tourist attractions in Alexandria and Egypt. It is located on Nabi Daniel Street in the Attarin district of Alexandria.
Who is the prophet Eliyahu Hanavi?
He is one of the prophets of Bani Israel, who lived in the 8th century BC.
The importance of Eliyahu Hanvai Synagogue:
The historical and religious significance of the Synagogue lies in the belief among the Jews that the Prophet Eliyahu appeared to the Jewish clergy at this site after his death.
History of the Eliyahu Hanvai Synagogue:
It was founded in 1881 AD after the Patriarch of Alexandria granted a plot of land belonging to the church to the Jews to build this synagogue. This Synagogue is built over the original structure dating back to 1354 AD.
The French bombed this Synagogue in 1798 AD, but members of the Muhammad Ali family rebuilt it in 1850 AD.
In 2017, the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the Synagogue to preserve the Jewish heritage in Egypt. It is opened in 2020. The restoration of the Synagogue costs 4 million dollars.
The design of the Synagogue:
The structure of the synagogue was built in the basilica style, as it consists of 2 floors that can accommodate 700 worshippers. The first floor is dedicated to men and the second to women.
There is a small rostrum for sermons in front of the sanctuary. The marble sanctuary is located on the eastern side of the Synagogue.
The Synagogue is characterized by green and violet colored glass windows decorated with gold. Also, it distinguishes with marble columns.
The Synagogue has an old library containing 63 ancient copies of the Torah and unique books dating back to the 15th century.
