Or Zaruaa Synagogue

Or Zaruaa Synagogue is a two-story building in the Nachlaot neighborhood featuring Neo-Mauresque design elements, tall windows, and Jerusalem stone walls. The ground floor houses a kindergarten for local children, while the upper floor serves as the main prayer space with capacity for around 150 worshippers.

Founded in 1926 by Rabbi Amram Aburbeh for Maghrebi Jews from North Africa, the synagogue opened in 1927 with support from Spanish philanthropist Don Yamin Ben Harroch. The building emerged as the community grew and sought its own dedicated worship space in the neighborhood.

The synagogue functions as both a place of worship and a Beit Midrash, providing religious education and maintaining traditions of the Maghrebi Jewish community.

The synagogue sits in a residential neighborhood with streets easily navigable on foot. Be aware that this is an active house of prayer, so visitor access may be limited to certain hours or arrangements.

During construction, Rabbi Amram Aburbeh set the requirement that only Jewish workers would be hired to build the synagogue, reflecting deeply held community values. This choice shows how much the community cared about who built and shaped their worship space.

Location: Jerusalem

Inception: 1927

Capacity: 150

Address: רפאלי 3

GPS coordinates: 31.78048,35.21261

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00