Ohavei Tzion synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Nahlaot district, Jerusalem, Israel.
Ohavei Tzion is a house of worship in the Nahlaot neighborhood with interiors shaped by Israeli artist Ze'ev Raban. The central platform features an olive wood pulpit, and the Holy Ark was designed by Raban in 1963 with ornamental details that define the prayer space.
The synagogue was founded in 1906 by Persian immigrants who settled in Jerusalem and brought their religious practices with them. The building went through three construction phases, adapting to the community's growing needs and shaping its current structure.
The synagogue preserves Persian Jewish customs in how worshippers arrange themselves around the central platform, modeled after the main synagogue of Shiraz. These traditions remain visible in the prayer practices and ritual details that visitors can notice during services.
The place holds regular prayer services and Torah study groups for different age groups in the community. Visitors should check ahead about when public services are held and whether visits outside these times can be arranged.
The interior displays stained glass works by artist Joseph Shaltiel that blend religious symbols with modern art forms. These glass windows give the prayer space a special visual quality when light passes through, often overlooked by visitors.
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