Imagine stepping into a tranquil courtyard, hidden from the bustling streets of Paris. This peaceful haven, tucked away on the rue de la Roquette, is the Synagogue Don Isaac Abravanel, a place of worship for a community with a rich history in this vibrant city. The Synagogue Don Isaac Abravanel, also known as the Synagogue de la Roquette, was built in 1962, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sephardi Jewish community in Paris. This architectural masterpiece, designed by the renowned architects Alexandre Persitz and Arthur-Georges Héaume, is a blend of modernist style and traditional Jewish symbolism. It stands as a beacon of resilience, symbolizing the community’s survival after the horrors of World War II.
Before the synagogue was built, these Parisian Jews had a much smaller home on rue Popincourt. This older synagogue was built in 1913. It was a time of significant immigration and the Jews from places like Turkey, Salonica, and Egypt needed a place to practice their faith in their own language and in accordance with their Sephardi traditions. But with the arrival of more and more people from the Levant, the space became too small for the community. They called the older synagogue “Al Syete,” meaning “The Seven” in Ladino.
In the same neighborhood where the synagogue stands, an old monument marks the memory of those Jewish volunteers who died for France in the First World War. They are remembered as “Engagés Voluntaires Israélites,” and the monument stands as a reminder of their sacrifice and also of the difficulties of many Jews from the Ottoman Empire who sought refuge in France. They later found themselves fighting for France, but when Nazi Germany occupied the country that was supposed to be their home, they were betrayed. Sadly, a large number of them were arrested and deported to the extermination camps.
The Synagogue Don Isaac Abravanel is more than just a place of worship; it reflects a community’s story of migration, resilience, and faith. The building itself is a symbol of this story, a reminder that, despite enduring suffering, their community endures. As you step into the synagogue, you are reminded of this rich history. You can feel the energy of those who have prayed here before you, the warmth of community, and the enduring presence of the faith. You are experiencing a legacy of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of the Sephardi Jewish community in Paris.