Did the name Michkenot Israël, “the dwellings of Israel,” intrigue you? Right here, before the modern facade of Synagogue Michkenot Israël, stands a testament to a community’s resilience. Synagogue Michkenot Israël is nestled in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. It serves as a spiritual home for the Ashkenazi Jewish community.
The story of Synagogue Michkenot Israël begins in the early 20th century. Many Jews from Alsace and Central Europe settled in this district. They initially gathered for Sabbath prayers in the gymnasium of the Lucien-de-Hirsch school. Later, they used other Jewish schools in the area. With the arrival of North African Jews in the 1950s and 60s, a Sephardic oratory was established. By the early 1990s, the Ashkenazi community grew significantly. They decided to build their own synagogue. The Sephardic community purchased a former factory and transformed it into their own synagogue.
To symbolize their shared origins and distinct traditions, the Ashkenazi synagogue became Michkenot Israël. The Sephardic synagogue became Ohaley Yaacov, “the tents of Jacob.” Both names originate from the Book of Numbers 24:5, “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!” Synagogue Michkenot Israël opened its doors in 1993. It caters to the needs of approximately 300 families in the area. From its inception, it welcomed Rabbi Nissim Rebibo as the presiding rabbinical judge. Its rabbi is Michel Gugenheim, the Chief Rabbi of Paris and former director of the Séminaire Israélite de France.
The synagogue’s design is a modern marvel. Architects Éric Dubosc and Marc Landowski, specialists in steel structures, masterfully crafted the building. They used steel and lightweight composite materials to overcome the challenges of the site’s terrain. This created large, open spaces that defy the confined nature of the plot. The result is a unique building, standing two stories tall, approximately 7 meters high.
The rectangular facade, capped by a semi-circular pediment and oculus, offers a simple yet striking presence. Subtle alternating bands of glossy and matte finishes provide a touch of elegance. The interior is equally impressive. A metal gallery provides space for women. Natural light floods the prayer hall through the facade’s window and oculus, a window above the Ark, and rear windows. The cylindrical ceiling adds a unique architectural element. The wooden, triangular Ark, veiled by a crimson parokhet, holds the sacred Torah scrolls. Synagogue Michkenot Israël is a modern sanctuary. It represents a vibrant community’s enduring faith and serves as a symbol of unity amidst diversity.