Judaism
Synagogues are the communal centers of Jewish worship, study, and assembly, preserving ancient traditions of prayer and Torah learning.
About Jewish Sacred Sites
Synagogues have served as the focal point of Jewish communal life for over two thousand years, ever since the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The word "synagogue" comes from the Greek for "assembly," and these sacred spaces serve three primary functions: a house of prayer (bet tefilah), a house of study (bet midrash), and a house of assembly (bet knesset). Synagogue architecture varies widely, from the ancient stone synagogues of the Galilee to the grand European synagogues of the 19th century, but all share common elements including the Torah ark (aron kodesh), the eternal flame (ner tamid), and the reading platform (bimah). The Western Wall in Jerusalem remains the holiest site in Judaism, the last remnant of the ancient Temple Mount.
Sites Religieux 4
Belz Great Synagogue
A testament to the resilience and faith of the Belz Hasidic community, rebuilt in Jerusalem.
Explorer →
Portuguese Synagogue
A historic Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam, a testament to Jewish resilience and cultural heritage.
Explorer →
Solomon's Temple
The First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the ancient Israelites, commissioned by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE.
Explorer →
Western Wall
The Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, is the holiest site in Judaism and a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Explorer →