Jerusalem - Hurva Synagogue

Immediately north of the Ramban Synagogue in Jerusalem are the remains of the Hurva Synagogue, founded by Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi, who came from Poland in 1701 with 500 Ashkenazis. The Jewish community in Jerusalem was now split in two, and the Ashkenazis built their own synagogue. After Rabbi Hanassi's death the synagogue fell into ruin (hurva = "ruin") and was rebuilt only in 1856. Thereafter, until its destruction in 1948, the synagogue again became the spiritual center of Jerusalem's Ashkenazi Jews. After 1967 there were various plans for rebuilding it, but it was never fully restored. It now consists only of a domed central structure and a reconstructed arch, a landmark and emblem of the whole quarter and a reminder of the synagogue's former splendor.