Love attending Friday night services at the Great Synagogue. The Choir is amazing. Really lifts you up spiritually to get you into Shabbos.
The Great Synagogue
Modeled after the Jewish Holy Temple, Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue is a majestic structure located on King George Street in the center of town. The Great Synagogue was established in 1982 after the adjacent Heichal Shlomo building could no longer contain the throngs of worshipers who were turning up for Sabbath services every week.
The Great Synagogue is dedicated to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, as well as Israel’s fallen in the 1948 War of Independence. Services in the main sanctuary on Shabbat and holidays are regularly led by top hazzanim (cantors) in the old Ashkenazi style.
The sanctuary houses breathtaking stained-glass windows and a magnificent chandelier hanging above the ark, and the acoustics effectively transmit the professional choir’s renditions.
There is also a Sephardic synagogue in the building, and a collection of contemporary mezuzah cases that is among the largest in the world. Those who enjoy the old-world splendor of Ashkenazi liturgical music are advised to stop by on a Saturday morning for Sabbath services – it’s a rare treat.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 60 traveler reviews“Inspiring ”
“WOW”
Extraordinary experience davening at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. The Choir, the entire experience is unforgettable.
“Great Chazzan and Choir”
If you have any appreciation for a cantor and choir, do not miss Friday night or Saturday morning services. On Friday night, the last stanza of Lecho Dodi was sung to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". "Yigdal" was in harmony as was adon Olam.