Hurva Synagogue
Hurva Synagogue
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Since its original construction in 1700 by the followers of Rabbi Judah, the Hurva has been been destroyed twice in order to weaken the presence of Jews in the Old City. The Hurva tells the story of the rebirth and renewal of the Jewish community in the Old City of Jerusalem. The site features a massive ark, and an amazing 360 degree view of the Old City from the observation deck.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
84
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
2
RosBondi
Bondi, Australia237 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautifully reconstructed Synagogue where you have fantastic views of the city from the top circular balcony. You can also see inside from the ladies section on the 1st floor into the Synagogue itself and watch the men praying. A very friendly front desk person who collected our entrance fee was quite a character.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IMLady_Marion
United States131 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
This is a beautiful Synagogue with staff who are most friendly and informative. It was a bit challenging to find the entrance, but walking around the entire building led me to steps up to the entrance. The small lobby area provides information and a small model that gives one perspective. Take the stairs (or elevator) up one level to the Women's section and view the gorgeous sanctuary. Another level up takes to a large veranda that overlooks a part of the Old City. If you're adventurous, and I was, climb up the very narrow curved staircase to another narrow balcony that wraps completely around. Bring your camera (or phone camera) to take some awesome panoramic photos of the city. This was a most enjoyable visit.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
golouis99
Jerusalem, Israel596 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
Be sure to book your guided tour in advance - telephone 626-5902. Only 25 shekels per person. Our tour guide was friendly and patient with our questions. The building is on 4 levels three of which can be accessed by elevator. Only the 360 degree panoramic platform circling the outer roof dome requires climbing a circular steel stairway. This is a remarkable story of a beautiful historic building destroyed in the fighting in 1948 and re-opened in 2010 after painstaking efforts to reconstruct even the paintings and light fittings as they had been before. Make sure to include this site on your visit to the Old City of Jerusalem.
Written 10 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nrl216
Philadelphia, PA65 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Tour of Hurva is not to be missed. Tour guide, Miriam is very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Tour requires reservation and English tour is afternoon at 2pm. Access to the 3rd level gives you a view of the city but requires walking up exterior spiral staircase. I mention this because previous experiences at the Blarney Castle, Chichen Itza, and Mount Washington, all gave me the same visceral response.
Written 4 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yadan1234
Karmiel, Israel18 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Aside from its beauty, functionality and interest, the Hurva Synagogue is a meaningful place to visit due to what it represents.
As an Israeli, I see this structure as representing Israel's rebirth and fortitude in micro, so you are well advised to read up on its history before you visit, even if you intend to take the guided tour.
The Hurva functions as any other synagogue, having regularly scheduled prayer hours; additionally, Ultra Orthodox Jews have 'occupied' the synagogue during non-prayer hours as their 'private' yeshivah. For this reason, you must purchase tickets for a guided tour if you wish to view the synagogue from the inside - unless, of course, you wish to come to pray during the designated hours.
Make sure to call 02-626-5900 for reservations.
As an Israeli, I see this structure as representing Israel's rebirth and fortitude in micro, so you are well advised to read up on its history before you visit, even if you intend to take the guided tour.
The Hurva functions as any other synagogue, having regularly scheduled prayer hours; additionally, Ultra Orthodox Jews have 'occupied' the synagogue during non-prayer hours as their 'private' yeshivah. For this reason, you must purchase tickets for a guided tour if you wish to view the synagogue from the inside - unless, of course, you wish to come to pray during the designated hours.
Make sure to call 02-626-5900 for reservations.
Written 5 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve G
Jerusalem, Israel16 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
There are two incredible experiences in the Hurva that should be experienced if you are visiting when they occur. First of all, every Friday night the walkway around the circumference of the dome is filled with young students who sing all of "Song of Songs." It is an amazing experience. The affect is that of listening to Angels welcome Shabbat literally from on high. Secondly, the service for the new month is amazing. The singing is moving and heavenly as well. I have been there many times and still cry.
Written 12 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yonatan C
Ottawa, Canada52 contributions
Mar 2013 • Solo
A visit to the recently re-built Hurva Synagogue should be on every visitor's list of 'must do' activities. Entirely re-built on the foundations of its predecessor this gleaming structure has become the focal point of the Jewish Quarter in the few short years since its re-opening in 2010.
It was interesting to follow the work as it progressed on each of my visits over the years. The broad square in front compliments it nicely and the benches are a great place to contemplate its exterior before entering.
Attending a service there is a very moving experience. However, as a functioning Synagogue it is only open to visitors wishing to tour at certain times. A listing of these times is posted on the small door down the side street to the left as you descend the stairs over the Cardo. The ticket office is behind you across the street in the lower Cardo. At 25 NIS it is a bargin.
Be sure to read up on it before you go so you will more fully understand the importance of what you will be seeing. There are several internet sites giving all the historical details along with many evocative photographs. I personally prefer the website of ' The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem' for practical information on this and many other sites in the Jewish Quarter.
The natural light shows the flawless workmanship and inspiring designs to great effect. The tour guides are knowledgable and personable. Be sure to get out on the railing around the cupola. The distant views are amazing and when you look down you will be able to spot places to explore later while getting a sense of how interconnected everything is.
While it is wonderful to have this new landmark, I do miss the old stone arch which for years was a symbol of both tragic destruction and potential re-birth. It is a shame planners could not install a smaller replica (perhaps in bronze) on an edge of the present square as a reminder of what had once stood there for so many years.
Once you have visited the Hurva you will no longer give it just a passing glance as you pass by on your way to the Kotel or other destinations in the old city. Instead, you will find yourself stopping to reflect and contemplate it as a symbol of the enduring strength of Judaism.
It will have become a part of your psyche.
It was interesting to follow the work as it progressed on each of my visits over the years. The broad square in front compliments it nicely and the benches are a great place to contemplate its exterior before entering.
Attending a service there is a very moving experience. However, as a functioning Synagogue it is only open to visitors wishing to tour at certain times. A listing of these times is posted on the small door down the side street to the left as you descend the stairs over the Cardo. The ticket office is behind you across the street in the lower Cardo. At 25 NIS it is a bargin.
Be sure to read up on it before you go so you will more fully understand the importance of what you will be seeing. There are several internet sites giving all the historical details along with many evocative photographs. I personally prefer the website of ' The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem' for practical information on this and many other sites in the Jewish Quarter.
The natural light shows the flawless workmanship and inspiring designs to great effect. The tour guides are knowledgable and personable. Be sure to get out on the railing around the cupola. The distant views are amazing and when you look down you will be able to spot places to explore later while getting a sense of how interconnected everything is.
While it is wonderful to have this new landmark, I do miss the old stone arch which for years was a symbol of both tragic destruction and potential re-birth. It is a shame planners could not install a smaller replica (perhaps in bronze) on an edge of the present square as a reminder of what had once stood there for so many years.
Once you have visited the Hurva you will no longer give it just a passing glance as you pass by on your way to the Kotel or other destinations in the old city. Instead, you will find yourself stopping to reflect and contemplate it as a symbol of the enduring strength of Judaism.
It will have become a part of your psyche.
Written 29 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,597 contributions
Nov 2019
The nice synagogue was rebuilt and re-dedicated in 2010 on the ruins of a 15th century synagogue, destroyed by the Ottomans in 1720. It is located in a small, cobblestone covered plaza at the center of the Jewish Quarter and very close to the Golden Menorah. From the narrow balcony surrounding the rooftop you have great views of the city and from the inside, on the high level, you can watch the Yeshivas at study.
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amm101
NJ665 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
The Hurva Synagogue is amazing place that helps you understand the history of Jerusalem. Note that you must book the tour in advance. The tour was in English and it provided a thourough history of the synaguge. It was reasonanbly prices at 25 NIS per person. Bring your camera! There some very nice art to take pictures of. The view from the roof is great. You can book a tour by cantacting the Jewish Quarter development office: http://www.jewish-quarter.org.il/
It's a good idea to combine the Hurva Synagogue with other sites in the Jewish quarter that can be part of your day (or half day).
It's a good idea to combine the Hurva Synagogue with other sites in the Jewish quarter that can be part of your day (or half day).
Written 8 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yntze P
Utrecht, The Netherlands32 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Like the dome of the rock is the icon of islam, the church of the holy sepulchre is the icon of christianity, this is the icon of the jewish faith in Jerusalem. It not only has amazing looks, but also an amazing story. Be sure to book a guided tour (about 1 hour) for only 25 shekels. The tour starts beneath ground level where excavations of the upper city from herodian times have been done. The hall and the dome from the inside can be viewed from the womens gallery on the second level. On the outside is a panoramic platform around the dome from which you have a magnificent view of the old city and beyond. This is an absolute must have seen in the jewish quarter of Jerusalem.
Written 27 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mweinberger360
Clifton, New Jersey
What time do prayers begin on Thursday Feb. 15( rosh chodesh adar)?
Written 14 February 2018
Hi all, I would like to know if I would be able to attend the Simchat Torah reading and celebration at this synagogue on 12 October? If so, what time would the service start and is there a separate room for ladies?
Thank you!
Written 15 September 2017
Sorry. No idea. Suggest their website.
Written 29 September 2017
Does anyone know if men are allowed to wear shorts during the tour of the Synagogue? Thank you in advance.
Written 14 April 2017
It is a religious place. Visitors are expected to dress accordingly. Shorts and tank tops are not appreciated!
Written 20 September 2017
I cannot find the website to buy tickets, nor can I find the times for prayer, which my husband and I would like to do as I am saying kaddish. I know you can't post the website here, but can anyone give me hints of where/how to find it? Does come up on a Google search of Hurva Synagogue. Thanks!
Written 19 November 2015
Typo-- DOESN'T come up on Google search....
Written 19 November 2015
Sadly I am going to be in Jerusalem for a very short time. Will it be possible to visit the Hurva Synagogue on a Sunday afternoon?
Please post all visiting times if you have them.
Thanking you
Anthony
Written 28 October 2015
I think you can visit on a Sunday. If you contact them via their website - for some reason you are not allowed to put the links in these responses - there is a contact page which comes up. Complete it with your request and they will get back to you. The times of the guided tours were not suitable for our dates and so we took the audio guide which was very good. If you can't find the link send me a PM and I will try and direct you to it that way.
Written 29 October 2015
Check the website for up to date hours. Be aware that you need to purchase a ticket in a small office around the corner from the shul...you will have to ask people as there is no sign designating the door as the entrance to the office. Enjoy!
Written 11 March 2015
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