March 16, 2010 22:33 by
haciTorahs in the Istanbul Ashkenazi Synagogue The Ashkenazi Synagogue is an Ashkenazi synagogue located near the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the only currently active Ashkenazi synagogue in Istanbul open to visits and prayers. The synagogue was founded by Jews of Austrian origin in 1900.[1] It is also the last remaining synagogue among a total of three built by Ashkenazim, as the population of Ashkenazi Jews accounts for 4 percent of total Jewish population of Turkey.[2] Visits to the synagogue can be made during weekday mornings and for Shabbat services on Saturday mornings.
The synagogue holds weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and other religious ceremonies in the Ashkenazi tradition.
Rabbi Dr. David Marcus, who also established the Jewish school Bene Berit, served as Rabbi and spiritual leader until his death in 1938.
Rabbi Mendy Chitrik has served as the rabbi of the Ashkenazi Synagogue since 2003.
Ashkenazi Temple
Istanbul's Sephardic Jewish community dates from 1492 and even earlier but this, the Ashkenazi Synagogue, served the community of European Jews.
It's a great old building, but because of security concerns, you can't get inside without clearance from Turkey's Grand Rabbinate, a few blocks away in Beyoglu near Tunel Square.
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