Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue, 16th-century Ashkenazi synagogue in Safed, Israel
The Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue is a place of worship from the 16th century built on a street in Safed. An artisan from Galicia crafted the wooden Holy Ark on the southern wall in Eastern European architectural style.
The building was founded in 1578 by Sephardic immigrants from Greece. A major earthquake in Galilee in 1837 destroyed it, after which it was later rebuilt.
The place is closely connected to Rabbi Isaac Luria, whose mystical teachings spread from here. His practices shaped prayer traditions in Jewish communities around the world.
The place is easy to find and sits on a main street in the old city. Visitors should wear appropriate clothes and respect the religious rules to be welcome.
In the courtyard stands a square column with a concave surface that was traditionally used to light fires during Lag Ba'Omer celebrations. This detail is rarely known today.
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