Belz Great Synagogue
Belz Great Synagogue
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4.5
22 reviews
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SuperToad
Brooklyn5 contributions
The building is absolutely stunning. It costed 55 million dollars- but the Hasidism don't appreciate tourist, specifically groups. They won't hurt anyone, but they will ask you to leave, specifically women. Also, the main sanctuary is closed during the week, and open only for prayers on Shabbat. Best bet to arrive friday night (not with a cab! the area is shut off the traffic on shabbat) and split up in the main santuary. Dress somewhat respectfully, and enjoy the awesome sight. Just be subtle. ( The Women's Section is also open friday night).
Written July 26, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belzer
england1 contribution
as a chareidi jewish girl from the belz communitiy i have been there several times (from london) i could never get enough of it when one hears the rabbi praying my whole body is tansfused.... the reason y they dont appreciate tourists is simple it is a bulding with beuty and everybody would love to say they have been there however for us it is a synagoge being used evry day and if they would encourage tourism it would turn into a tourist attraction bigger than what it already is making it impossible to be used for its holy duties done in purity. i aplolgise on behalf of the community if you felt unwanted its the best we can do. and if you do go there enjoy have me in mind for i would love to be there every day of my life.
Written October 8, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abraham m
Jerusalem, Israel2 contributions
May 2013
i love visiting every Friday night packed with belzer Hasidim from all over the world what a pride put into a synagogue
Written May 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yonatan C
Ottawa, Canada52 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
I first saw the Belz Synagogue from my window in what was then the Novotel Hotel some 10 years ago and resolved to visit it.
Several times I tried to walk there and got lost. One year I even took a cab which pleasantly enough dropped me off at the wrong Synagogue. I sometimes get the impression that Israeli cab drivers take you where they think you should go not necessarily where you want to go !
Though it took many false starts and misdirections I finally made it this past August. It was worth the wait ! In response to a question accompanied by hand gestures a kindly elderly gentleman, who spoke no English accompanied me. We spoke a mix of Yiddish, German and Ivrit on the way.
It is a pleasant, but not inconsiderable stroll from the Central Bus Station or the Geula Neighbourhood being northeast from the latter and to the East from the former.
From the moment you first catch a glimpse of it near major crossroads of large apartments under construction your pace quickens. Its crenelated roof is very distinct. What makes it so difficult to find is that it is built on the side of a hill so that what appears tall and dramatic from the highway is less so from the adjoining neighbourhoods.
The plaza in front is itself a marvel. The day I was there they were washing some large floor mats. The steel roof girders support what must be an impressive canopy for events.
The front doors have notices saying it is open on Shabbat and Yom Tov for visitors to pray, but on this occasion I had no problem entering as my guide was a recognized long time member.
The foyer is impressive, but what literally takes your breath away is the main sanctuary. The 10+ chandeliars are enormous and the womens' galleries rise up for two stories. The ceiling even has sun lit windows from which roof top attendees can view the interior. The closest similar Synagogue sanctuary I had been in until then was Temple Emmanuel in New York City.
The accoustics are wonderful as two men were working at the front and I could hear every word they said. The main ark is majesterial and commands attention. I sat in a seat near the back and recited some prayers and tehillim before departing.
If you go be sure to watch the excellent youtube video of an official Belz tour so as to give you a sense of what you are looking at. You can also watch this video again back home as a wonderful way to remember your visit.
Also be sure to carry a sweater or polar fleece jacket as the main hall can get chilly once the sun has set. This bit of advice applies equally to the Great Synagogue on Shabbat eve or indeed anywhere in Jerusalem being located as it is in the mountains.
If you decide to go I would recommend taking a cab there and then leisurely walking back to downtown Jerusalem poking your head into the various neighbourhoods along the way. When you go be sure to ask for ' the Belz Synagogue, 2 Dover Shalom ' you can also throw in 'gadol' for good measure !
Good luck and enjoy your visit.
Several times I tried to walk there and got lost. One year I even took a cab which pleasantly enough dropped me off at the wrong Synagogue. I sometimes get the impression that Israeli cab drivers take you where they think you should go not necessarily where you want to go !
Though it took many false starts and misdirections I finally made it this past August. It was worth the wait ! In response to a question accompanied by hand gestures a kindly elderly gentleman, who spoke no English accompanied me. We spoke a mix of Yiddish, German and Ivrit on the way.
It is a pleasant, but not inconsiderable stroll from the Central Bus Station or the Geula Neighbourhood being northeast from the latter and to the East from the former.
From the moment you first catch a glimpse of it near major crossroads of large apartments under construction your pace quickens. Its crenelated roof is very distinct. What makes it so difficult to find is that it is built on the side of a hill so that what appears tall and dramatic from the highway is less so from the adjoining neighbourhoods.
The plaza in front is itself a marvel. The day I was there they were washing some large floor mats. The steel roof girders support what must be an impressive canopy for events.
The front doors have notices saying it is open on Shabbat and Yom Tov for visitors to pray, but on this occasion I had no problem entering as my guide was a recognized long time member.
The foyer is impressive, but what literally takes your breath away is the main sanctuary. The 10+ chandeliars are enormous and the womens' galleries rise up for two stories. The ceiling even has sun lit windows from which roof top attendees can view the interior. The closest similar Synagogue sanctuary I had been in until then was Temple Emmanuel in New York City.
The accoustics are wonderful as two men were working at the front and I could hear every word they said. The main ark is majesterial and commands attention. I sat in a seat near the back and recited some prayers and tehillim before departing.
If you go be sure to watch the excellent youtube video of an official Belz tour so as to give you a sense of what you are looking at. You can also watch this video again back home as a wonderful way to remember your visit.
Also be sure to carry a sweater or polar fleece jacket as the main hall can get chilly once the sun has set. This bit of advice applies equally to the Great Synagogue on Shabbat eve or indeed anywhere in Jerusalem being located as it is in the mountains.
If you decide to go I would recommend taking a cab there and then leisurely walking back to downtown Jerusalem poking your head into the various neighbourhoods along the way. When you go be sure to ask for ' the Belz Synagogue, 2 Dover Shalom ' you can also throw in 'gadol' for good measure !
Good luck and enjoy your visit.
Written December 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
savytravel99
Jerusalem, Israel112 contributions
Jun 2015
Its big...is it better? Well its certainly impressive, well kept up....if your into touring shuls...its a must!
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli Michalowitz
Toms River, NJ110 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
This is the nicest synagogue in the world that I've seen by far, huge and beautiful inside and outside, and very friendly people in there.
Written November 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mottle1977
Beit Shemesh, Israel8 contributions
May 2016 • Family
To think that the Belzer Chassidic Dynasty was nearly destroyed by the Shoah, one can only be amazed by this glorious building! The Shul is like a foretaste of what the Beis Hamikdash will be like, but 1000 times more buitiful! Belz, the Phynix that rose out of the ashes of the holocaust!
Written June 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
airport2015
Tel Aviv District, Israel1,012 contributions
Jul 2016
The largest synagogue in Israel built by the hasidic Community of Belz in the center of Kryat Belz in Jerusalem an enlarged replica of the original school and synagogue built1843 in the town of BELTZ In Galizia,today part of independent Belaruss.
the synagogue seats ten tousand prayers and some parts are recognised in the Guines Book of Records.Note the nine Crystal clear glass chandeliers and the the ornate wooden ark holding 70 Torah Scrolls
the synagogue seats ten tousand prayers and some parts are recognised in the Guines Book of Records.Note the nine Crystal clear glass chandeliers and the the ornate wooden ark holding 70 Torah Scrolls
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avi R
Israel327 contributions
the saying: we can do it- and demonstrate the power of those "Galutiim" Jews.
the dimensions are huge, all the ornaments are exuisite, and the overwhole impression stays for days.
the dimensions are huge, all the ornaments are exuisite, and the overwhole impression stays for days.
Written December 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
o0oOo0o
Jerusalem, Israel34 contributions
Jan 2012
lots of effort were made to make this synagogue the biggest and most fancy. for a stranger it's also an interesting (may be in a disturbing way) experience to watch such different habbits and traditions. I think you need to come with a guide to enter.
Written October 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How can I schedule a tour?
On their website: worldofbelz org. Search for "world of Belz" or "world of Belz schedule tour"
Olideneris Mari D
2 contributions
Se e possível mulheres assistir o encerramento do Shabat.
יהודה פ
4 contributions
יש מס' טלפון שאפשר לברר שם הכל 02-5403400
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