Ben Ezra Synagogue in Coptic Cairo is one of Egypt’s most important and famous synagogues. It is considered the oldest synagogue in Egypt. It dates back to the 9th century AD.
This synagogue had an old copy of the Old Testament, and it is believed that it was written by the prophet Ezra or Al-Azir, so it is called the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
The history of this Synagogue: Originally, this building was a Christian church called El-Shamieen Church. But in 882, it was being sold to a group of Jews led by the Jewish religious scholar and philosopher Abraham Ben Ezra for 20,000 dinars.
It is built in the shape of a basilica style. It includes two floors. The first floor is dedicated to men and contains the bimah, while the second is dedicated to women.
It is decorated in Arabesque style and inlaid with mother of pearl, displaying a merge of artistic traditions.
Stories about this synagogue: It is said that this place of this Synagogue was where the box of Baby Moses was found.
