One of the few remaining synagogues with an old time feel, led by a world renowned Chazzan
Rating: 4/5
Service Attended: Saturday Morning Services (on two separate occasions)
Date: Two separate weekends in July 2014
Type of Service: Orthodox. Chazzan led with all male choir (choir present some weeks). Also a separate Sephardic service.
Time of Service: Saturday morning typically ending by 11:30
Mechitza: Men on ground floor, women on U-shaped balcony
Meals: No mention of offering meals for visitors. No kiddush to my knowledge.
Frequency: All weekly services provided
Review: I have attended Saturday morning services twice at The Great Synagogue, and have enjoyed it both times. To start off with, the building is gorgeous, with stained glass windows, showcases of Judaica lining the walls of the hallway, and the ark held some 20 Torahs. It’s a huge space, which tends to fill up most mornings. People from all different backgrounds attend, from black hatters, to modern orthodox, to youth groups in town for Shabbat.
The first time I attended, a young chazzan was leading, and there was no choir (I was a little disappointed). He led a very nice service, and as most typical chazzan led services, participated where I could. Because of the size of the room however, and the fact that they don’t use microphones, it was hard to hear at times, making it even more difficult to participate.
I made sure the second time I went to go on a week when their Chief Chazzan, the world-renowned Chazzan Haim Adler was leading services. It did not disappoint. Chazzan Adler is one of the few remaining “old-school” chazzanim, and the presence of the choir lifted us to even higher heights. The choir, all male, combined traditional liturgical settings of the music with modern settings of liturgy with a skill that sets them beyond any synagogue choir I’ve ever heard.
The Great Synagogue is a must visit, just make sure you look ahead of time at who’s leading the service. With that said, if you’re looking for a service you can really dig your feet into and sing, this probably isn’t the shul for you.
The Great Synagogue is located at 56 King George Street, ירושלים, 9426222, Israel. For more information, visit their website.
