Slat al-Azama Synagogue facts for kids
The Slat al-Azama Synagogue, also known as the Lazama Synagogue, is a famous Jewish house of worship in Marrakesh, Morocco. It is found in the old city's historic Mellah, which is the Jewish quarter.
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A Look Back: History of the Synagogue
This synagogue is linked to Sephardi Jews. These were Jewish people who had to leave Spain in 1492. This event is known as the expulsion of Jews from Spain. Many people believe the synagogue was built in that same year, 1492. However, some experts say the exact date is not fully proven.
The Mellah district, where the synagogue is located, was created later in 1557. The synagogue you see today has been restored and updated over time. It is still an active place of worship for Jewish people.
Exploring the Synagogue's Design
The Slat al-Azama Synagogue is part of a larger building. This building was originally a private house with a central courtyard. These types of houses are often called a riad. It was common for synagogues in the Mellah of Marrakesh and Mellah of Fez to be built inside private homes.
Inside the Synagogue
The synagogue itself features traditional Moroccan decorations. You can see beautiful zellij, which is a type of mosaic tilework.
After the 1950s, the east side of the synagogue was updated. A special area for women, called an ezrat nashim, was added. This is quite unique in Morocco. Usually, women would stay in a separate room near the entrance of a synagogue.
The original wooden Torah ark has been replaced with one made of marble. The Torah ark holds the sacred Torah scrolls. It is located next to the eastern wall. Notes from the 1950s show that this women's area did not exist before. They also show that the inside of the synagogue was divided into two parts by four columns. On the upper floor of the building, there is a yeshiva. A yeshiva is a Jewish school for religious studies.
See also
In Spanish: Sinagoga Salat Alzama para niños
