The Beth Yaakov Synagogue, also the Great Synagogue or the Grande Synagogue, is a Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at 11 Place de la Synagogue, Geneva, in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Located in the heart of Geneva, the synagogue was completed in 1859 for the Ashkenazi Jewish community, which comprised about 200 people at the time of the synagogue's construction.[2]

Beth Yaakov Synagogue
The Grande Synagogue in 2011
Religion
AffiliationJudaism
RiteNusach Ashkenaz
Ecclesiastical or organisational statusSynagogue
OwnershipCommunauté Israélite de Genève
LeadershipRabbi Jacob Tolédano
StatusActive
Location
Location11 Place de la Synagogue, Geneva, Canton of Geneva
CountrySwitzerland
Beth Yaakov Synagogue is located in Canton of Geneva
Beth Yaakov Synagogue
Location of the synagogue in the Canton of Geneva
Geographic coordinates46°12′10″N 6°08′27″E / 46.20278°N 6.14083°E / 46.20278; 6.14083
Architecture
Architect(s)Jean-Henri Bachofen
TypeSynagogue architecture
Style
Date establishedc. 1857 (as a congregation)
Groundbreaking1857
Completed1859
Specifications
Dome(s)One
MaterialsBrick
[1]

Architecture

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Designed by the Swiss architect, Jean Henri Bachofen, the synagogue is a mix of Moorish Revival and Byzantine Revival architectural styles. At the entrance one can see Moorish style arches. The bimah, for reading of the Torah, is located in front of the Torah ark, opposite the main entrance. This style was adopted later in the history of world synagogues, since the bimah was usually built in the middle of the congregation. Women have their own sections on both sides of the prayer hall. The building has been registered as a Swiss historic monument because of its architecture.[3]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Great (Beth Yaacov) Synagogue in Geneva". Historic synagogues of Europe. Foundation for Jewish Heritage and the Center for Jewish Art at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. n.d. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Grande Synagogue, Geneva". Sacred destinations. 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  3. ^ Ghiuzeli, Haim F. (n.d.). "Beth Yaakov Synagogue, Geneva, Switzerland". ANU: Museum of the Jewish People. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
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