Visiting Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Coptic Cairo

Egypt has been occupied and ruled by several different cultures and religious groups throughout its long and fascinating history. As is to be expected, each culture has left its mark, which is why we see so much Roman influence; Greek influence; Egyptian influence and etc. All things considered, it hardly comes as a surprise that at the very heart of old Cairo, one can visit the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Cairo is home to several famous historical attractions, so it can be quite difficult for tourists to decide which sites to visit, especially if they are somewhat pressed for time. While the Ben Ezra Synagogue might not be considered a top tourist attraction, it does however still manage to attract countless visitors. One of the nice things about this particular site is the fact that is is located just behind the famous Hanging Church, also known as the Coptic Church.

Both the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Hanging Church feature in many different Egypt tour packages, but even if a package tour doesn’t include a trip to these two sites, tourist will find they are both easily accessible using public transport.

A Brief History Of Ben Ezra Synagogue

Some visitors are quite astonished to discover the synagogue in amongst so many Christian religious building, but they're really is a very simple explanation. The actual building which was transformed into the synagogue was purchased from the Coptic Christians in 882 AD. The Coptic Christians owed taxes to the rulers of Cairo, and in order to raise the necessary money, they sold the building to Ben Ezra for a sum of 20,000 dinars.

Ben Ezra then decided to convert the building into a synagogue so that Jew throughout the country would have a place where they could worship.

Legend has it that the building stands on the spot where baby Moses was discovered. There are also a number of rumours regarding the Ben Ezra Synagogue. For example, it is said that the coffers in which Moses’ mother placed him were found in a deep well at the rear of the temple. There are also rumours that the famous Rabbi Moses Maimonides studied and worshipped there.

Something that is not a rumour is the historically significant discovery of a Jineesah, or collection old manuscripts and Torah scrolls, which were found in a hidden storeroom during the 1800s. The documents are no longer on the grounds since they were sent to England for preservation and study.