Avritch Synagogue, Historic synagogue in Old Jewish Quarter, Safed, Israel
The Avritch Synagogue is a house of worship in Safed's Old City built during the 19th century with traditional features of Jewish architecture. The interior contains a Torah ark and displays handcrafted details typical of that era.
A scholar named Abraham Dov Baer from Ukraine founded this synagogue in 1832 as a center for Jewish prayer in Safed, one of the holiest cities in Judaism. The building endured many historical events and became an important place of religious life in the region.
The synagogue brings together Sephardic and Ashkenazi worshippers who practice their distinct traditions in the same space. Visitors can observe how different Jewish communities have shared this place for generations and maintained their individual customs here.
The synagogue sits in the northern part of Safed's Old City and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should keep in mind that regular prayer times are observed and respectful dress is expected.
Many people recall that Rabbi Dov led his followers into the building just before the 1837 earthquake struck, where they found shelter from the disaster. This story is still told by locals today and shapes how the place is remembered.
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