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This site is also known as the El-Geniza Synagogue and is located in Coptic Cairo so you might want to explore that history as well while you are in the vicinity. Local legend says that it is located on the site where baby Moses was found. It dates back to the 9th century AD and was originally a church. The synagogue was restored in the 12th century and now, with so few Jews in Cairo, it is just a tourist attraction. The inside is an interesting mix of architectural features with Islamic and Coptic influences. Shame that no photos are allowed.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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I was surprised to find a synagogue in Coptic Cairo and even more surprised to learn it is the oldest synagogue in Egypt. The structure dates to a 4th century Christian church. A Jewish Rabbi, Ben Ezra, restored the church to a synagogue in the 12th century. The interior is striking, and obviously not like any other synagogues you might be familiar with. No photos allowed and be prepared for a security check before entering. Tradition says that the pharaoh’s daughter found Moses in the reeds of the nearby Nile river, the same place where the Virgin Mary drew water to wash the baby Jesus.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
64 Helpful votes3 Reposts
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Ben Ezra Synagogue, once a Christian church. This area is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the world's oldest Christian denominations. This is a small synagogue and sparsely furnished. I found it quite interesting due to its history. Here, visit the Hanging Church, that was built in the 7th century. Admire the courtyard and interior with its elaborate wooden screen, marble pulpit and icons. Cost: Free Weather: The weather in February was perfect – not hot, but no jacket required. Toilets: unknown NOTE: Street vendors all accept U.S. Dollars…
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Date of experience: March 2020
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We travelled as a family without a guide. Although we probably missed out on the finer points of the synagogue we were able to enjoy a quiet ten minutes looking around this very peaceful and beautiful synagogue and were able to appreciate it's very presence in a country where Jews aren't exactly popular. As mentioned in previous reviews, no photos of any kind are allowed inside. Entry is through a secondary scanning machine and it is a popular place for the tours to visit and as with all the places of worship in this area it can be quite crowded at times. Entrance was free, a donation box is visible but there was no pressure to donate.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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The Ben Ezra Synagogue is a well guarded place within Coptic Cairo. To visit it, you must first get a security check at the entrance to the Coptic quarter and then a search before getting into the synagogue. It started out as a church and was brought by Ben Ezra (hence the name) because it was believed that this was the site where Moses was drawn from the Nile by the pharaoh's daughter. Very few Jewish people still live in Cairo, that this is no longer a functioning synagogue. However, the synagogue itself is a peaceful place and has interesting reflective decoration (where opposing walls are decorated the same). No photographs allowed which is a good thing as it makes the place peaceful.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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