Hevra Synagogue, known in older sources as the Talmud Torah Synagogue, is one of the important historic synagogues of Kemeraltı.
- Area: Kemeraltı (First Juderia)
- Also known as: Talmud Torah Synagogue
- Built: 17th century; rebuilt after 1838 and 1841
- Status: Rescue completed 2020; restoration under way
History
The synagogue is associated with the seventeenth-century world of Rabbi Joseph Escapa. It suffered repeated fires and rebuildings. After a fire in 1838 it was rebuilt by the Chelebi and Menahem Hacez brothers, then burned again in the great fire of 1841 and stood in ruins for many years. Its roof collapsed in 1999. Rescue work was completed in 2020, and restoration is under way.
What to notice
Hevra is a clear example of the Izmir synagogue type: a central plan, a triple Ehal and a Midrash. In its earlier life it held a large number of Torah scrolls, which gave it particular standing among the city’s synagogues.
Visiting
Please read Visit before making any plans. Access to historic synagogues may require prior permission.
