Jerusalem's Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue Reopens After 78 Years

After nearly eight decades since its destruction in the 1948 War, the Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City is set to reopen. The monumental structure, originally inaugurated in the late 19th century, has undergone extensive preservation and restoration work. To mark its near-completion, the synagogue will host a limited opening for just 60 individuals across three tours during the 'Open Houses Jerusalem' event on October 15th. Each tour will accommodate 20 participants.

During these tours, architect Carlos Fross, whose firm led the restoration project, will discuss the archaeological, architectural, historical, and technological challenges involved. The 1,200-square-meter synagogue is situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, near the Western Wall and the Hurva Synagogue. Unlike the Hurva Synagogue, which remained a landmark even before its restoration, Tiferet Yisrael was less accessible to visitors due to its original entrance facing a side street.

The site was acquired in 1843 by followers of Rabbi Israel Friedman of Ruzhin, who commissioned Nissan Bak to oversee its construction. Historical accounts suggest the Ruzhin Hasidim secured the site ahead of the Russians, who were also seeking land for a church. Architect Martin Eppinger, who designed the Russian Compound's Holy Trinity Cathedral, may have also advised on the synagogue's design, as evidenced by similar architectural details.

Construction began in 1857 and was completed in the 1870s, with a significant contribution from Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph towards the dome's completion. The building sustained damage in a 1927 earthquake and underwent repairs before serving the Jewish community until 1948. It was heavily bombed by the Jordanian Legion during the War of Independence, leaving only ruins for decades.

The restoration, initiated in 2009 by Fross Architects and preservation architect Uri Paden, involved extensive research using historical photographs and archival documents to reconstruct the original structure's height, proportions, and interior details. Where information was lacking, contemporary solutions were integrated. Challenges included determining the precise height and proportions of the facade elements, leading to a reconstruction based on remaining stone courses and historical photographs. The dome's color was also a point of discussion, with a decision made to restore it to a lighter hue consistent with the building stone, possibly to avoid confusion with mosque domes.

The reconstructed building incorporates modern standards, including air conditioning, lighting, and safety systems, while maintaining the historical proportions. Construction methods differ from the original, with reinforced concrete walls clad in stone and plaster to mimic the historical thickness. The restoration also involved recreating the interior murals based on black-and-white photographs and research into the artist's other works. Acoustic considerations and the integration of modern utilities within the historical shell presented further complexities. The project also navigated the challenges of working in the dense Old City, requiring specialized transport for materials and concrete.

Archaeological excavations during the preparatory phase uncovered layers from much earlier periods, including the First and Second Temple eras, Byzantine, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Findings included First Temple-era walls, a Second Temple mikveh, and evidence of Jerusalem's destruction. The new design features a main entrance on Tiferet Israel Street, allowing access to both the archaeological findings and the synagogue levels, with a dual circulation system to permit visitor movement without disrupting prayer services.

The synagogue, with a reconstructed height of 22.6 meters, will soon open fully to the public after all work and permits are finalized. It will offer 100 seats in the main prayer hall and 60 in the women's section. The synagogue's reopening coincides with the 'Open Houses Jerusalem' festival, which showcases various architectural sites across the city.