Synagogue La Ghriba

The most notable Jewish building on Djerba is the La Ghriba ("Wonderworking") Synagogue 1km/0.75mi east of Er Riadh (closed on Saturdays). In its present form this modest-looking building dates only from the 1920s, but its origins go much further back. There are many legends about its foundation: one story is that the site was chosen when a "holy stone" (perhaps a meteorite) fell to earth here. The interior has fine paneling, old candlesticks, valuable Torah scrolls and other cult objects. The rabbis, who live in the pilgrim hostel opposite the synagogue, ensure that all visitors take off their shoes and wear a head covering (which can be hired for a modest sum at the entrance). Every year, 33 days after Easter, La Ghriba is the scene of a great pilgrimage of Jews from all over the Maghreb.