The Hurva Synagogue

The Hurva Synagogue has a long history in Jerusalem.  It was first built by the Ramban in the 1200's.  It was destroyed many times.  Finally, it was rebuilt in 1867.  Our guide's father, a 3rd generation Jerusalemite, remembers singing in this magnificent, rich Shul with the large, established Jewish population.

During the War of Independence in 1948, it was demolished with the promise that all traces of a Jewish presence in the City would also be gone forever.

My last visit to Israel, I visited the Arch Memorial to the Hurva Synagogue...

The Hurva Synagogue has once again been restored!  The Aron Kodesh is an exact replica of the old synagogue.

Notice the old wall incorporated into the new structure...

I look forward to watching the sun come through the windows, bringing golden light onto the ark this Shabbat.  What a privilege to hear the story of this synagogue...