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Ben Ezra Synagogue

The History of Ben Ezra Synagogue

Ben Ezra Synagogue “The Prayer-Place of the Jews” is sometimes called El-Geniza synagogue and it is located in old Cairo on the site where baby Moses was found. The storeroom of this synagogue was found in the 19th century and it contained a treasure of abandoned Hebrew, Aramaic and Judeo-Arabic secular in addition to some sacred manuscripts.

It was originally named El-Shamisen Church, and is situated today behind the “Hanging Church“. So from this point, we can say that Ben Ezra synagogue was a church and Jews bought it from Christians in 882 AD to pay the annual taxes to the Muslim rulers at that time. Abraham Ben Ezra was the one who bought the church from the Christians and he paid 20,000 dinars.

Ben Ezra Synagogue Open Time

Ben Ezra synagogue is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm as its function as a museum only for tourist. Through our Cairo city tour, you can discover Cairo’s Coptic, Jewish, Pharaonic, and Islamic traditions on a full-day cultural tour.

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The Main Decorations of Ben Ezra Synagogue

Ben Ezra Synagogue Facts & History | Ben Ezra Synagogue Open Time

The Geometrical Decoration: This decoration which dates back to the Turkish period can be seen on the sidewalls of the synagogue. It has patterns such as star patterns, pentagonal patterns, and rectangles.

Floral Decorations: These decorations were used as a background for the Geometrical patterns and they are also used in the Star of David in the ceiling of Ben Ezra synagogue. It includes floral patterns in addition to palmettos and a lotus flower.

The southeastern side of the Torah closet is decorated with stalactites and the frame of the Torah Ark is a mimic decoration and on each of the two sides are two wooden columns with geometrical patterns, which have stalactite capitals of the Ottoman period

The style of the carving on the Torah ark door is representative of the Mamluk Sultanate specifically during the 15th century. There is a medallion decorating the door designed with a motif common to the bookbinding of that period. The 15th-century fire in Ben Ezra synagogue damaged the bimah or pulpit. One plausible theory is that wood from the damaged bimah was repurposed to make a new door for the Torah ark. The synagogue was repaired and renovated in 1488.

Hidden Wonders are Waiting to Be Explored

Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the most important landmarks in Egypt don’t miss the chance to visit it with other landmarks through Egypt tour packages. Don’t forget to enjoy one of our Nile cruises while being in Egypt to discover the wonders of Upper Egypt while sailing in the Nile river.

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Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

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What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

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Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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Trips In Egypt was founded in 2002 when it launched, since then the company specialized in providing trips in Egypt only which includes tour packages, vacations, Nile cruises, day trips, shore excursions, and any kind of trips in Egypt.

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