Hurva Synagogue — Attraction in Jerusalem

Hurva is an important historical synagogue for Jewish people in the Old City and a place well worth visiting if you intend to spend time in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.

Note: You can purchase the Jewish Quarter special ticket (60 NIS per person) which includes entry to the Hurva Synagouge. Wohl Museum of Archeology (Herodian Quarter) and the Jerusalem Archaeolgoical Park and Davidson Center. This combined ticket can save you a bit of money if you are intending to visit these four attractions.

The synagogue has a bit of a turbulent history having been destroyed by twice since it original construction in the early 18th century. It was most recently rebuilt and dedicated in 2010. As such, the building is quite new, modern and attractive.

The exterior is Hurva Synagogue can be enjoyed from the square jus in front. Further, there is rooftop access where you can enjoy 360 panorama views of Jerusalem by walking around the building dome. From here you can see the attractions beyond the Dome of the Rock to the Mount of Olives from here.

From the top, visitors can enter the indoor walking area at the dome, allowing you to peer down into the quaint prayer hall. There is a two storey torah ark that is well worth spending a few minutes to enjoy. Further viewing areas into the prayer hall are found on the ground and first floor.

Overall, we enjoyed our time at the Hurva Synagogue finding it a worthwhile place to visit during time spent in the...

I had the absolute privilege of visiting the Huvra synagogue last week, on Friday, before Shabbat. Coming all the way from Australia, it is not often that I have the opportunity to visit a synagogue in Jerusalem. Whilst i was inspired by the history and the significance of the synagogue itself, the defining moment in my experience there, was the hospitality and the kindness of the volunteer who was on the desk at the time, Ariel. Ariel was kind enough to converse with me about his life in Jerusalem after living in the United States, and his involvement with the Synagogue. Whilst i am not Jewish myself, Ariel was very generous to invite me to his local synagogue that Friday evening, for upcoming Chanukah celebrations. Although i was leaving Israel that day, I will never forget the kindness and passion that Ariel had in welcoming me to the Synagogue, and explaining how special Jerusalem and the Huvra synagogue is to him. It was truly a privilege being welcomed into the Huvra synagogue, and i hope to visit again, and make contact with Ariel. Thankyou for enabling me to have such an...

Visitors to the rebuilt synagogue can admire the special beauty of its interior, view the world’s tallest Holy Ark (which contains the synagogue’s Torah scrolls) and hear the fascinating story of the Hurva Synagogue. They can see history with their own eyes, and enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree view of Jerusalem from the veranda surrounding the synagogue’s dome.

This synagogue is located at the heart of the Jewish Quarter, and it is one of the most beautiful and impressive synagogues in Jerusalem and perhaps in the entire country.

As far as I know an aliyah (“calling up”) to the Torah ceremony for a Bar Mitzvah, as well as conferences and other ceremonies can be held in the Hurva Synagogue.

A visit to this Synagogue is a moving experience and a piece of history await those who visit the...