Month: May 2023

Parsha Nasso ((נשא – raises), Numbers v. 4, 21 to 7, 89) lists the tasks of the Levites, then explains how to purify the camp. The text then speaks of the laws of the sotah and the Nazirite. Finally, he describes the offerings of the princes.

The synagogue in Gaza was arguably one of the most important in the region during the early Byzantine period, before being destroyed during the Muslim invasions of the 7^th century. Unfortunately, few traces of this building remain, but the mosaics² found (in 1965) bear witness to the richness and quality of Jewish art of the time. The motif of David playing the harp and soothing the animals is particularly noteworthy.

² The mosaics have been moved to the Good Samaritan Mosaic Museum near Ma’ale Adumim.

Bemidbar (במדבר — in a desert), Numbers, verses 1, 1 to 4, 20.

This chapter lays the foundations for the organization of the people of Israel in the desert, highlighting the centrality of the sanctuary and the importance of the Levites in its upkeep. The count also makes it possible to measure the greatness of the people and their ability to defend themselves against potential enemies.

The synagogue on the campus of the Mitzpe Ramon Military Academy, located in Israel’s Negev desert, is an example of the importance of religion and tradition to the Jewish people. In this arid desert, the presence of this concrete fortress testifies to the determination of the Jewish people to survive and prosper despite the obstacles. The unique form of the synagogue also reflects the importance of spirituality by providing a place of prayer and contemplation amidst the austerity of the desert.

1906

Behar-Bechuqotai (בהר “on the mount” and בחוקותי “according to my rules”), Leviticus, verses 25, 1-27, 34.
The Parsha Behar-Bechhuqotai contains in particular the laws relating to the sabbatical year and the jubilee. It recalls God’s covenant with his people and the promise of their return to their land.

Leviticus 25, 13
בִּשְׁנַת הַיּוֹבֵל, הַזֹּאת, תָּשֻׁבוּ, אִישׁ אֶל-אֲחֻזָּתוֹ.
In this jubilee year, you will each return to your possession.

The Jubilee Synagogue¹ is a remarkable building which was built in response to the destruction of many places of worship during the redevelopment of the city at the end of the 19th century. Architects Wilhelm Stiassny and František Fröhlich created a synthesis of different architectural currents, combining elements of Art Nouveau, Hispano-Moorish and Viennese Secession. Opened for worship in 1906 on the occasion of the Simchat Torah holiday. The Jubilee Synagogue is a unique place of worship, which delights visitors with its decorative elements and exceptional design.

¹ The synagogue owes its name to the celebration of the jubilee of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1898, marking the fiftieth anniversary of his reign. It is also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue, in reference to the street where it is located.

1953

Emor (אמֹר – said), Leviticus 21:1 to 24:23

The passage begins with specific laws for priests and rules regarding service in the Temple. The second part gives the liturgical calendar: Shabbat (23.3), Passover (23.5), Omer (23.10), Shavuot (23.16), Rosh Hashanah (23.24), Yom Kippur (23.27), Sukkot (23.34), Shmini Atzeret (23.36) And an allusion to Hanukkah (24.2 – pure oil of crushed olives, for a light) and an allusion to Purim (24.14 – with the part of the blasphemer who, like the manna, ended up hanging¹)

The building designed by Irish architect Wilfred Cantwell was inaugurated in 1953. The stained glass windows refer to Sabbaths and holidays.

¹ We stone the blasphemer and then hang him (Sanhedrin Chapter 6, Subsection 4)