Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is one of the most important Jewish sightseeing in Alexandria and Egypt. Finally, after many years of restoration, it reopened its doors to the public on Jan 10th, 2020.
The history of Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue It was established in 1881 after the Patriarch of Alexandria gifted a plot of land that belonged to the Church for its construction. It is considered one of the largest Jewish Synagogue in the Middle East.
It was bombed by the French during their invasion of Egypt in 1798. But in 1850, the members of the Muhammad Ali family restored and reconstructed it.
In 2017, the Egyptian government announced a project to restore the synagogue in a growing movement to keep its Jewish heritage alive. Finally, after many years of restoration, it reopened its doors to the public on Jan 10th, 2020.
Let’s go on a tour inside Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue. The structure is built in the basilical style. It consists of two floors accommodating 700 worshipers, one of them is dedicated to women. This synagogue is distinguished by housing an ancient library containing 63 leather and paper scrolls, Torah (Old Testament) copies, and unique books from the 15th century.
There is a small platform used for sermons that lies in front of the sanctuary. The marble sanctuary is situated on the east side of the synagogue.
