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Tifereth Yisrael Synagogue |
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The Tifereth Yisrael synagogue is also known as the Nissan Beck
synagogue, after its founder. It was called "Nishes Shul” by the Hassidim, which
in Yiddish means Nissan's synagogue. The name Tifereth Yisrael (Splendor of Israel)
is in honor of Rabbi Israel Friedman, the Hassidic leader and founder of the Radzine
Hassidic dynasty, who initiated the establishment of the synagogue and was the first
donor of funds aimed at buying the land upon which it was built.
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The first Ashkenazi Hassidim arrived in Israel towards the end of
the 18th century, and settled in Tiberias. When the Pharisees returned to Jerusalem,
The Hassidim became jealous and moved to Jerusalem as well.
It was Rabbi Friedman's intention to establish a Hassidic synagogue in Jerusalem,
and it was built simultaneously with the Hurva synagogue of the Pharisees. Construction
began in 1882, and continued for ten years.
While the construction was ongoing, the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef visited Jerusalem,
and asked why the synagogue had no dome. Nissan Beck replied: "The synagogue has
taken off its hat to you, your highness." "How much will it cost me to have the
synagogue replace its hat?" the emperor asked, and donated a substantial sum for
the completion of the dome.
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The synagogue was magnificent. It stood at a height of 20 meters,
and its domed roof was one of the highest places in the Old City. It served as a
community center for many of the Hassidim in the Jewish Quarter, and it had a Mikveh
in its basement.
During Israel's War of Independence, a vital military observation post was established
on the synagogue's roof. For this reason, there was a great deal of hand to hand
fighting with the Arab Legion around the synagogue and in the immediate vicinity.
Finally, the synagogue was captured and subsequently destroyed by the Arab Legion.
The synagogue's large dome and walls collapsed, covering the synagogue's foundations.
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After the reunification of Jerusalem, the rubble and refuse were
cleared, and the lower level and the entrance to the prayer hall, built to resemble
the fa?ade of a Galilean synagogue, were revealed. Today the site, with its ancient
stones restored, serves as a monument to the synagogue's magnificence.
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The Site List
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