Bar and Bat Mitzvah in IsraelThe Ultimate Family Sourcebookby Judith Isaacson and Deborah RosenbloomAncient Synagogues in National Parks
Ancient synagogues are located in many national parks around the country. Services can be held at any of these synagogue ruins. We strongly suggest that you contact a local rabbi to make proper provisions for your Bnai Mitzvah service there. The rabbi will be your local coordinator and contact the Parks Authority for a permit, bring up a Sefer Torah and prayer books, and lead the service. Please be aware that the park will be open to the general public when your celebration takes place. Seating may be limited and the site may be a hike from the parking lot. Extra seating can be arranged through a contact person if necessary. However, as the weekday services are usually under an hour in length, guests may not mind standing for its duration. Whimsical tip: For that authentic feeling and some fun, populate the ancient site you chose with `guests' from another era. Members of the Lear Theater Company, dressed in period costumes, will take active roles during the Bnai Mitzvah event. Contact: Lear Theater Company Arbel SynagogueThe Arbel Synagogue was built in the 4th Century and in use until the 8th Century. The site for the ark faces south toward Jerusalem. The town of Arbel dates from the time of the Maccabees. Katzrin Synagogue
Overnight suggestion: Golan Heights Field School. Contact: Reservations See Chenyon HaMapilim near Moshav Evnei Eitan for a creative combination of prayer in an ancient synagogue with high spirited adventure. Korazim Synagogue
Hamat Tiberias Synagogue One of the four zodiac synagogues, Hamat Tiberias dates to the 4th Century CE. Zodaic mosaic floor. The synagogue was destroyed in the 5th Century and rebuilt. Hamat Tiberias is a health spa with hot springs. Located on the western shore of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), approximately 1.5 km south of Tiberias. Baraam SynagogueEasy access -- no climbing. No seats, bring your own chairs if needed. Space for up to 2000 people!
Overnight suggestion: Har Meron Field School. 20 minutes from Baraam. Contact: Reservations Overnight suggestion: Kibbutz Sassa vacation apartments. 10 minutes from Baraam. Contact: Reservations Kibbutz Sassa Overnight suggestion: Safed. 30 minutes from Baraam. Choice of many hotels. Beit Alpha National ParkOne of the four zodiac synagogues in Israel. Well-preserved mosaic synagogue floor. Representations of zodiac signs and The Binding of Isaac. Services may be held in the ancient synagogue. Located at the foot of Mount Gilboa. Overnight suggestions: Kibbutz Beit Alpha Guest Rooms Nof Hashita Country Lodging Maon SynagogueThe remains of this ancient synagogue date back to the Byzantine era, the 4th to 6th centuries CE. A park with water and picnic tables was built around the site -- particularly useful for a celebration. An added feature of the remains is a balcony, creating an unusual seating arrangement. Located near Be'er Sheva. Anim SynagogueSynagogue dating to the 4th--7th centuries. Mosaic tiles are in the outer entrance. Located in Yatir Forest. Overnight suggestion: Stay at one of the hotels in Arad -- the first Israeli town developed according to urban planning. Contact information: Browse and buy the book at http://jem.ascender.com/iia/bar -Updated 8-30-99- |
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Israel has numerous ancient synagogues, attesting to the presence of Jews in Israel since time immemorial. These are certainly different, interesting and picturesque places to become a Bnai Mitzvah. Just think of the fabulous ! Be aware though, that these are the remains of synagogues and not complete buildings.
Located in the Katzrin Talmudic Village, a reconstructed Byzantine (Talmudic) period site. Near the Golan Heights Field School. Easy access.
The remains of an entire town: Mikvah (ritual bath) and Byzantine synagogue; oil presses, houses.
Baraam is the site of two ancient synagogues. One synagogue dates from the 3rd Century CE. Its beauty has been noted throughout the ages. The other is called Obadiah's synagogue, and a part of it is in the Louvre Museum. Legend has it that Queen Esther of Purim fame is buried here. What a great place for a Purim Bat Mitzvah! Sound and light show.