El Ghriba Synagogue

El Ghriba Synagogue
Interior of El Ghriba Synagogue
Religion
AffiliationOrthodox Judaism
RiteMaghrebi (Tochavim)
StatusPilgrimage site
Location
LocationDjerba, Tunisia
Geographic coordinates33°48′50″N 10°51′34″E / 33.81389°N 10.85944°E / 33.81389; 10.85944
Architecture
StyleMoorish

The ancient El Ghriba Synagogue (Arabic: كنيس الغريبة), also known as the Djerba Synagogue, is located on the Tunisian island of Djerba. It is situated in the Jewish village of Hara Seghira (currently known as er-Riadh), several kilometres southwest of Houmt El Souk, the main town of Djerba.

The synagogue appears to be the oldest synagogue in the world.[1] Besides being the center of the island's Jewish life it is also a site of pilgrimage. While extensively renovated in the 19th century CE, the buildings may date to the 6th century BCE:[1] one of the legends associated with its founding claims that either a stone or a door from Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple is incorporated in the building.

  1. ^ a b Oster, Marcy (14 May 2017). "Tunisia to seek World Heritage status for Djerba island, site of Jewish pilgrimage". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 10 May 2023.