Ghriba Synagogue, Tunisian Synagogue, located in El Kef
The Ghriba Synagogue in El Kef is a simple yet meaningful building that long served as a place of prayer and gathering for the Jewish community. The structure displays modest architecture, with small windows letting in light and walls bearing the marks of decades of use.
The synagogue was used by the Jewish community for generations but experienced rapid decline starting in the 1980s as most members left the city, with the last residents departing in 1984. Following restoration in 1994 and further maintenance work beginning in 2017, the building was opened to the public.
This synagogue served as the center of the Jewish community in El Kef for generations, drawing worshippers from the city and nearby regions, especially during Sukkot. The name Ghriba means strange or wonderful, reflecting the reverence this place held in the local imagination.
The building is typically open during daylight hours and is best visited with a knowledgeable guide who can explain its history and lead you through the old city streets. Respectful behavior is appreciated as this is a place of prayer and remembrance.
According to tradition, the synagogue was built above the tomb of a woman revered for her virtue and piety, which gave it special spiritual significance. This connection to a sacred site made the building a pilgrimage destination for visitors from the wider region.
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