Ben Ezra Synagogue

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Cairo and one of the most historically significant Jewish sites in Egypt. Located in Coptic Cairo, the building dates back to the 9th century, though tradition holds that a synagogue has existed on this site since the time of the prophet Jeremiah in the 6th century BCE.

The Cairo Geniza

The synagogue gained worldwide fame for the discovery of the Cairo Geniza in the 19th century — a collection of over 300,000 Jewish manuscript fragments dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. These documents, now housed in Cambridge University and other institutions, provide invaluable insight into medieval Jewish life, trade, and culture in Egypt and the Mediterranean world.

Architecture

The synagogue features a beautiful interior with marble columns, intricate wooden screens, and a stunning Torah ark. Though the Jewish community of Cairo has largely diminished, the synagogue remains a testament to the diverse religious tapestry that has characterized Egypt throughout its history.