Old Synagogue in Motza, Ottoman-era synagogue in Motza, Israel.
The Old Synagogue in Motza is a stone building from the Ottoman period with thick walls and traditional arched windows characteristic of regional religious structures. The construction rests on foundations that date back to the Crusader era.
The building was originally constructed as a caravanserai in 1871 by Yehoshua Yellin before being repurposed as a synagogue. This conversion reflects the expanding Jewish settlement and population growth in the location.
The walls display historical information about the first Jewish settler families who established themselves in this area. A mosaic artwork shows how the synagogue building sits within Motza Valley.
The building is accessible to visitors during regular prayer times, especially on Saturdays. It is advisable to check opening times in advance since it functions primarily as an active place of worship.
Archaeological excavations near the building in 1973 uncovered numerous artifacts from the Roman settlement period in the region. These discoveries reveal that the site has a long history of human habitation stretching back well before modern Jewish settlement.
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