Ashdod Travelers guide

Ashdod | Sightseeing 158 The seats in the prayer hall create a kind of circle around the bima (platform), which is surrounded by artistic glass featuring paintings of the walls of Jerusalem. In the traditional "cheder" (religious pre-school and primary school) in Yemen the students sat in the shape of an open square around one Torah scroll, while here the seating is modern and fits the 21st century, but something of the Yemenite Jewish tradition is still felt. The first Torah scroll used for prayer in the synagogue was donated by the Rabbinate and was actually Ashkenazi. In time, the letters faded and the scroll was about to be invalidated. The owner of the scroll, who was one of the founders of the synagogue, could not accept this decree. Many inquiries were sent to well-known rabbis from Yemen, and as a result the book was fixed by a Yemenite scroll writer. It is used for prayer to this day. The prayer version in the synagogue is mixed, comprised of Baladi (an ancient version used over 1,800 years ago by the Jews of Yemen) and Shami (a version brought to Yemen about 350 years ago, probably by merchants from Spain). Although the prayers are led by a cantor, the congregation actually sings most of the prayers together with him. Most of the Yemenite immigrants living in Ashdod came to the city from the nearby Shetulim cooperative settlement and from Gedera. Most of them were born in Israel, and learned the Yemenite language when the parents spoke Yemenite between them when they didn't want the children to understand. In order to preserve the poetry and tradition, they read the Torah in Yemenite, and one of the children receiving lessons from a Mori (as the teacher in the traditional Yementie Cheder is called), translates to Hebrew verse by verse. Rabbi Shalom Shabazi's songs are sung with a trill, a Yemenite step and joy during festive events. Purim and Simchat Torah are a true celebrations, in which tables are set, tablecloths are placed, and there is plentiful eating with whiskey, vodka and Yemenite Arak liquor. From the Yemenite Jews synagogue, continue on to the Keter HaTorah synagogue of the Karaite community, which is about a four-minute drive. Return in the direction from whence you came, and turn left at the second roundabout, onto Herzl Boulevard. At the next turn, turn right onto Oven Ben-Ami Boulevard, right again at the roundabout onto Kochav Hatzafon street, and then right onto Tishrei street. Parking available (Free of charge) 9 Tishrei Street To arrange a visit: Yossi Yefet, Tel: 054-561-9144 The Keter Torah Synagogue