AVCIL AZAT

Lovely Synagogue to visit. To gain access you have to ring the buzzer on the small door to the right of the large Synagogue doors. Fascinating history of the Papal Jews and the Synagogue itself. Well worth a visit.

Very interesting and historic. However, the need for security was an interesting contrast to the open cathedrals nearby. Be sure to check out the challah oven behind the rabbi's desk in his study.

Sign outside reads: The sign reads…. City History - Synagogue The former Jewish quarter was located northwest of the current Place du Palais. In 1221, the Jewish community was relocated to the parish of Saint-Pierre, around what is now Place Jérusalem. This “carrière,” a term given to Jewish quarters in the Comtat Venaissin region, was closed off by three gates, of which only the Calandre gate remains. The inhabitants enjoyed the protection of the Pope. After the Revolution abolished these quarters, most of the houses were destroyed in the 19th century. The synagogue, known as the “escole,” included the temple and rooms necessary for community life: meetings, marriages, butcher shop, bakery, etc. Rebuilt between 1765 and 1767 by Franque and lavishly decorated, it was completely destroyed by fire in 1845. It was immediately reconstructed by the municipality under the plans of the architect J.-A. Jeoffroy, who, unexpectedly, designed a neoclassical rotunda covered with a dome inside.

This is one of the oldest, continually active synagogue in France. A unique feature is the interior domed roof. We were lucky enough to participate during Simcha Torah. It is an orthodox temple so women sit in the balcony. Beautiful house of worship and beautiful people.

One of the most beautiful Kol Nidres I have witnessed. Thanks to the leaders of the local community for accommodating me on such short notice during these weird times of the new Coronavirus. Chazak v'Ematz!

Wonderful, historic, still-active synagogue with a unique domed ceiling. I believe it is the oldest or second oldest still active synagogue in France, Carpentras being the other.

Warm welcome at Yom Kippur. Let us visit keeping very strict covid19 regulations. Thank you

History of Jewish Avignon and events during WWII