What an amazing Rosh Hashanah we had together- spirited davening, meaningful Torah study and great energy in both minyanim. May this augur well for the rest of 5783!
I am looking forward to sharing my Shabbat Shuvah Derashah with you this Shabbat- Closing Time: Ne’ilah and the Never-ending Holiday Season. It will take place immediately following Mincha at 6:35 PM (Note earlier time). Childcare is available! I look forward to seeing you there. Answer- Last Week’s Mystery Shul Of The Week:
I have to assume that the reason I only received one guess is that everyone was busy preparing for Rosh Hashanah- or you were well and truly stumped. Here was the clue:
This shul, celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, was founded by three brothers from a prominent Iraqi Jewish family, and was named in memory of their mother. Originally following the Iraqi nussach, it now incorporates a hybrid of both traditions to reflect the changing ethnic origins of the synagogue’s members from around the world. In 1998, the shul received a major award for a massive two-year project it undertook.
The answer is the Ohel Leah Synagogue in Hong Kong, founded in 1902 by the Sassoon brothers and named in memory of their mother, Lillian (Leah). In 1998, the synagogue received an award from UNESCO for the massive, two year project they undertook to preserve the building.
This week’s Mystery Shul Of The Week:
This synagogue was founded in 1914 by Sephardic Jews from the Island of Rhodes, and still preserves Rhodesli traditions faithfully. It is the only one in the world with its name, derived from a verse in Psalm 46. Name the synagogue and the city (and, for extra points, quote the verse).
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
Congregation Shaare Tefilla 6131 Churchill Way Dallas, TX 75230
