Description of the attraction
The El Ghriba Synagogue is an important Jewish shrine. This synagogue is considered the oldest in Africa and one of the oldest extant synagogues in the world. Its age is more than two thousand years. According to oral tradition, it was founded by a Jewish priest who came to these places after the first Jerusalem temple was destroyed. According to legend, El Ghriba was built on the spot where the Paradise stone fell. Tradition says that when the last Jew leaves this place, the keys to the synagogue gates will return to heaven.
On the main Jewish holidays, as well as on the 33rd day after Easter, pilgrims from North Africa and the Middle East flock here. Small rooms for pilgrims are built around the perimeter of the square courtyard of El-Mushroom.
A massive ebony door with metal ties and rivets leads to the main hall of El Mushroom. The central hall makes a strong impression on all visitors. The walls and arches are tiled with blue tiles. Columns and ceiling are painted blue and white. The white color of the walls symbolizes cleanliness, and the blue color of the shutters on the windows is the color of spiritual calmness and tranquility. In the main sanctuary of the synagogue there is a very old and valuable Torah scroll - a significant shrine of this place. Pilgrims also come to venerate the grave of Shimon Bar Yaskhai (one of the authors of the Talmud).
Of course, the building has not come down to us in its original form. The building that has come down to us is from the 19th century. She, in turn, replaced the synagogue of the 16th century.
