Love of the Land

Become a Supporter Library Library

The Abuhav Synagogue in the Old City of Tsefat has a fascinating background.

Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhav, author of the classic Menorat Hama’or who lived in Spain during the 14th century, was the owner of a Sefer Torah which tradition says was brought with the victims of the Spanish expulsion and ended up in Tsefat. There it was housed in a synagogue that was given the name Abuhav.

In the earthquake of 1759, which destroyed all the buildings in Tsefat, the only survivor was the wall of the Abuhav Synagogue — which contained the Holy Ark and the Abuhav Sefer Torah in perfect condition.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Love of the Land

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.