Ben Ezra, Cairo, Egypt

Vayigash (ויגש – Then he approached)
^{Genesis 44:18–47:27 and Ezekiel 37:15–28}

Joseph gathers his family in Egypt and settles them in the land of Goshen(1), ensuring their survival. The prophet Ezekiel foretells the reunification of the tribes of Israel—two narratives celebrating the unity of the Jewish people.

Genesis 45:10
Joseph sends an invitation to his father through his brothers:
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בְאֶרֶץ-גֹּשֶׁן
You shall dwell in the land of Goshen.

Founded in the 9th century, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in Cairo, is one of Egypt’s oldest. Restored multiple times over the centuries, it stands as a testament to the continuity and prosperity of the Jewish community in Egypt. The current structure, built in 1850, elegantly blends Jewish and Islamic architectural influences. Its interior, adorned with carved wood and geometric patterns, showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. The synagogue houses the famous Genizah⁽²⁾, where valuable ancient documents were discovered, providing an invaluable resource for Jewish history.

⁽¹⁾ The region of Goshen is located in the eastern Nile Delta, near modern-day Ismailia, approximately 100 kilometers east-northeast of Cairo.
⁽²⁾ A Genizah is a storage place for worn or damaged religious items that cannot be destroyed. The Cairo Genizah revealed documents dating from the 9th to the 19th century, including biblical fragments, correspondence, commercial records, and other writings essential to Jewish history.