Karaite Jews Heritage Center

Bnei Mikra Heritage Center – A Special museum dedicated to the Karaite Heritage, located in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem

Visit the Bnei Mikra Heritage Center – this special museum is available to the public, offering a fascinating experience exploring the world of Biblical society.

Get familiar with this part of Jerusalem and the Jewish people’s history through a guided tour. It’ll allow you to explore the stories about the Karaite Jewish community – a unique group of Jews who lived in accordance with the word of the Old Testament, the written doctrine of Moses and Israel.

The Karaite Jews believe that only the written Torah was given to Moses at Mount Sinai and that its commandments should be upheld as they are, without the additions and interpretations of the Talmud and Gemara.

The enriching tour includes new and exciting perspectives on:

• The life of the Karaite Community in Israel
• The ways the Torah and its commandments were honored and followed in the Community
• The History of Karaite Jews in Jerusalem and the Diaspora
• Their current ways of life
• How and where did they keep their identity after the establishment of the State of Israel

We’ll also hear about the golden era of the community that has lived in Jerusalem since the 8th century. Special attention will be given to its significant contribution to the preservation of the original version of the Old Testament and to the Hebrew language we use today.

The tour’s highlight is a visit to the world’s oldest synagogue, which is still active today, attracting numerous worshipers.

The tour of the Heritage Center takes about 45 minutes and includes:

• Video: The film presents the fascinating and authentic story of the Karaite community. You’ll get to know the principles on which the Bnei Mikra people’s faith is based, and hear about the status of the community throughout the history of the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora, past, and present.
• Exhibition Tour: a special exhibition is presented in the center, emphasizing the practice of the Karaite Jew’s faith and showing the way the commandments are honored and followed.
• A fascinating view of the ancient synagogue in the depths of the Earth: a magnificent ancient synagogue from the 8th century AD. It is the oldest synagogue in Israel and among the oldest in the world.