Belz Beis HaMedrash HaGadol Facts for Kids

The Belz Beis HaMedrash HaGadol

The Belz Beis HaMedrash HaGadol is the largest synagogue in Jerusalem. In Yiddish, its name means "The Belz Grand Synagogue." A synagogue is a special building where Jewish people gather to pray, study, and learn about their faith. This huge synagogue was built by the Belz Hasidic Jews. They received help from many supporters and admirers around the world. In the 1980s, their leader, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach (II) of Belz, made plans for this amazing building. It was built in the Kiryat Belz area of Jerusalem.

What is a Synagogue?
The Belz Hasidic Community
- Building a Grand Synagogue
  - Design and Size
  - A Place for Prayer and Study
Images for kids
See also

What is a Synagogue?

A synagogue is a very important place for Jewish communities. It is often called a "shul" in Yiddish or a "temple." People go there to pray together, especially on the Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest) and on holidays. Synagogues also serve as places for studying religious texts and for community gatherings. They are centers for Jewish life and learning.

The Belz Hasidic Community

The Belz Hasidic community is a group of Jewish people who follow a special way of life. They are part of the Hasidic movement, which started in Eastern Europe many years ago. Hasidic Jews focus on joy, prayer, and a close connection to their spiritual leaders, called Rebbes. The Belz community has a long history. They have been led by a line of Rebbes for generations.

Building a Grand Synagogue

The Belz community needed a very large synagogue because their group grew bigger over time. Their original synagogue in the town of Belz was destroyed during World War II. After the war, the community rebuilt itself in Israel and other parts of the world. The new synagogue in Jerusalem was planned to be a central place for all Belz Hasidim. It would also be a symbol of their strength and faith.

Design and Size

The design of the Belz Beis HaMedrash HaGadol is very impressive. It looks similar to the original synagogue that was built in Belz in 1843. The new building is huge. It has enough space for many thousands of people to pray at the same time. The main prayer hall is very large. It has high ceilings and many windows. This allows natural light to fill the space.

A Place for Prayer and Study

Inside the synagogue, there are many different areas. The main hall is for large prayers and gatherings. There are also smaller rooms for studying. These study rooms are called "batei midrash" (houses of study). Here, men spend many hours learning from holy books. The synagogue is not just a place for prayer. It is also a center for learning and spiritual growth.