Egypt’s historic Ben Ezra synagogue, housing a valuable collection of Jewish manuscripts, has reopened following an extensive ten-year restoration initiative. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly presided over the inauguration ceremony, marking the completion of the restoration efforts.
Originally constructed in the 12th century and later reconstructed in 1889, with a prior restoration in 1982, the Ben Ezra synagogue holds great historical significance. It takes its name from Abraham ibn Ezra, a renowned Jewish figure renowned for his biblical commentaries during the golden age of Spanish Judaism.
Throughout its existence, the synagogue has attracted notable Jewish personalities, including the influential philosopher Moses Maimonides, who not only worshipped there but also resided in its vicinity. Some even believe it to be the very place where the biblical prophet Moses prayed to God, according to CNN reports.
The Ben Ezra synagogue holds additional historical value as the site where the Cairo Geniza, a vital collection of Jewish medieval manuscripts, was discovered in the late 19th century. Presently, these manuscripts are housed at the Cambridge University Library.
The architectural design of the synagogue reflects its past as a church, characterized by a basilica-style structure, as confirmed by the Ministry. The restoration project was initiated and executed by the Drop of Milk Association, with the objective of preserving Egypt’s Jewish heritage. The restoration efforts involved the preservation of ceilings and stones, as well as the implementation of insulation measures to safeguard the historic structure.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) has been actively engaged in various restoration and conservation endeavors in recent years, as highlighted by Louise Bertini, the executive director of the American Research Centre in Egypt (ARCE).
In 2017, ARCE provided a grant to the Drops of Milk Association to finance the restoration of Egypt’s remaining synagogues, including the Ben Ezra synagogue. While Egypt once boasted a thriving Jewish population of over 80,000 in 1948, the number has significantly declined, with only approximately a dozen Jews remaining in the country today.
