Great Synagogue of Ness Ziona
Design of Haim Teper, a builder, contractor, and activist in land acquisition. Unlike the residents of the Hebrew neighborhoods and cities of during that period who viewed schools as the central focal point of a community, in the ‘Moshavot’ the synagogues were the focus. The chosen location was at the crest of a hill dubbed the “Hill of Love”, a hill that was already allocated to the public buildings of Nes Ziona.
The design inspiration for the synagogue likely came from ancient basilicas and Florentine churches. An example of this can be seen in the plan of the synagogue, which includes a rectangular and elongated hall with a rounded wing at the end, similar to a typical church plan. Teper reversed the church plan, placing the apse like wall at the entrance, while placing the Holy Ark opposite, at the far end of the elongated hall.
The building consists of a partial basement floor, which takes advantage of the natural slope of the land and is built of 80-centimeter-thick stone walls. This part of the building was already completed in 1913 and contains rooms that were originally used by the community for cultural needs as well as for gymnastics. Above the basement floor, a decade later, the prayer hall (200 square meters) was built with a partial gallery that served as a women’s section. Unlike the basement floor, the hall was built using concrete bricks. at its center it rises to a height of 10 meters, with four iron columns supporting the ceiling.
The impressive and original Torah ark reaches a height of six meters. Like the hexagonal stage, it is decorated in detail and winged lions, quotations from Psalms and Proverbs, the Ten Commandments, plant decorations and Stars of David. On the stage were the Torah ark stands, a “slik” was built to conceal and stash weapons belonging to the Haganah underground organization. While sliks hidden in other synagogues were discovered by the British government on “Black Sabbath” – the one in Ness Ziona was not uncovered.
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in the late 20's
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in the late 20's
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in 1926
The synagogue in the late 20's
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
Wall paintings by dov Krauza
Original Stairs
Concrete Railing
Top Windows
Pilaster
In classical architecture, a pilaster is an architectural element used to give the appearance of a supporting or load bearing component articulating the extent of the wall, albeit the pilaster’s function is solely ornamental.
