“Synagogue of Light,” Or Zaruah translates to this. But what story does this house of worship hold within its walls? The Or Zaruah Synagogue stands as a testament to Jerusalem’s diverse Jewish heritage. It is located in the Nachlaot neighborhood.
Founded in 1926 by Rabbi Amram Aburbeh, Or Zaruah Synagogue served Maghrebi Jews from North Africa. These Jews were leaving the Old City of Jerusalem. Rabbi Aburbeh envisioned a new spiritual home for his community. Don Yamin Ben Harroch was a philanthropist from Melilla, Spain. He donated funds for the Or Zaruah Synagogue construction. Only Jewish workers helped build the Or Zaruaa Synagogue.
The synagogue’s name pays tribute to Rabbi Shlomo Aburbeh. He was Rabbi Amram Aburbeh’s father. Rabbi Shlomo held a Beth Midrash in his Old City home. It was a study hall. Or Zaruaa means light is sown.
Look at the building around you. The Or Zaruaa Synagogue is a historic preservation site, according to the Jerusalem municipality. The building stands 10 meters high. It has two stories. Its location is on a hill, 799 meters above sea level. The synagogue covers 258 square meters. The exterior walls are covered with Jerusalem stone. This covering is mandated for all Jerusalem buildings.
Originally, the first floor was a home for the rabbi. Today, it is a kindergarten. The synagogue is on the second floor. It features a Neo-Mauresque design. This style is also known as Spanish North-African. Men’s seats surround the Bimah. The Bimah is raised. The hall has a high ceiling. It also includes a women’s section or ezrat nashim. Tall windows accentuate the space. The windows have massive stone frames. The frames are curved at the top.
Rabbi Amram Aburbeh led the Or Zaruah Synagogue from 1926 to 1951. Then he became Chief Rabbi in Petah Tikva. For a few years, Rabbi Aburbeh lived in an apartment on the first floor of the Or Zaruah Synagogue. Later, he built a house nearby. Haim Kobi became the gabbai of the synagogue. He and his family lived in the apartment for 40 years. Or Zaruaa served as both a beit midrash and a synagogue. It was a place for study and prayer.
Consider the cornerstone laying ceremony on October 26, 1926. Imagine the excitement and anticipation. Picture Rabbi Aburbeh’s dedication to using only Jewish workers. Envision the community coming together. They built a house of worship that still stands today.
The Or Zaruah Synagogue represents community. It embodies faith and architectural beauty. It is a reminder of Jerusalem’s rich history. The light sown here continues to shine brightly.