| Safed |
| Safed, The “Ari“ Ashkenazi Synagogue |
| Documentation and survey of the synagogue structure |
| Orderer | The Infrastructure and Tourist Development Administration, Safed |
| Duration | May-July 2003 |
| Implemented by: |
Arch. Amir Freundlich
Orit Soffer
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The “Ari” Ashkenazi synagogue in Safed is located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, west of Kikar HaMeginim and next to Ma’alot Gurei HaAri. The synagogue’s courtyard and entrance, like many of the synagogues in Safed, face west toward Mount Meron and the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai (“Rashbi”). The beacon column in the synagogue’s courtyard faces the grave and symbolizes the connection between Safed and the Rashbi’s festivities on Lag B’Omer.
The “Ari” – the divine Rabbi Yitzhak Luria Ashkenazi – is the father of the Lurian interpretation of the Kabala. A theory has recently been proposed suggesting that the synagogue was built by Sephardic pilgrims from Greece, prior to the arrival of the “Ari” to Safed at the end of the 16th century, in contrast to the tradition that the “Ari” and his disciples customarily went out to greet the Sabbath in this spot before the establishment of the synagogue – “Hakal Tapuhim Kadishin”
The objective of the work was to document and conduct a physical survey of the site as a basis for conservation planning.
The original structure was damaged by two earthquakes that struck in 1759 and in 1837. The latter apparently devastated the synagogue. We see evidence of this in the rear façade that was added to the building in 1857.
The synagogue is a typical Sephardic type structure. It is divided into nine fields of cross vaults. The central vault field is highlighted by means of four columns where the ark is situated. In general the synagogue’s facades are fairly well preserved, except for localized damage as a result of natural weathering and destruction and incorrect maintenance measures. The building’s interior is maintained on an ongoing basis.
The Western Façade
The western side of the building is the structure’s main façade. Stonework and doorjambs adorned with floral and faunal motifs that are characteristic of the region and period are incorporated in it. Above the entrance to the synagogue is a dedicatory inscription in which the year of the synagogue’s construction is noted. The weathering and destructive processes have taken a toll on the façade and its decorated stonework, some of which has been damaged beyond repair. Conservation of the façade and maintaining the original stonework in situ are of great importance. We have therefore recommended returning the original architectural elements to the building’s façade: the entrance door, street lighting and the carpentry work.
Development at the site was carried out within the framework of the renovations of Nagara Alley. The courtyard was fenced off once again, a pergola and an arch were built on the northern side and steps have been taken to stabilize the beacon column. It would be worthwhile to re-examine the development and urban renovation measures from the standpoint of conservation of the synagogue and its heritage.
The synagogue serves a regular community of worshippers, pilgrims and visitors. There is a committee that oversees the management of the site and its ongoing maintenance. We recommended involving the committee in the decision making process regarding the conservation of the building and the immediate surroundings. In addition we suggest that holiday ceremonies and various events continue being celebrated there, as was done in the past, such as weddings, bar mitzvahs and of course the marking of Rashbi’s festivities at Lag B’Omer.
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To view the figures, click on the figure caption
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