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The El Ghriba Synagogue is accurately described as a modern Reform Jewish temple situated in the central district of Houmt El Souk, Djerba.
Answer: False
The El Ghriba Synagogue is an ancient Orthodox Jewish congregation located in the village of er-Riadh, several kilometers southwest of Houmt El Souk, not a modern Reform temple in the heart of the town.
The original El Ghriba Synagogue was established in the 1st century CE and is characterized by Romanesque architecture.
Answer: False
The El Ghriba Synagogue was established in the 6th century BCE and features Moorish architecture, not 1st century CE Romanesque.
Djerba, the island hosting the El Ghriba Synagogue, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, recognized for its distinctive settlement pattern and cultural significance.
Answer: True
Djerba, the island where the El Ghriba Synagogue is located, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, acknowledging its unique settlement pattern and cultural significance.
A foundational legend of the El Ghriba Synagogue asserts that a stone or door from either Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple in Jerusalem is integrated into its construction.
Answer: True
One legend claims that a stone or a door from either Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple in Jerusalem is incorporated into the building, brought by High Priests fleeing destruction.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is recognized as the oldest active synagogue globally, yet not the oldest overall, given its buildings date solely to the 19th century.
Answer: False
The El Ghriba Synagogue appears to be the oldest synagogue in the world, with its buildings potentially dating back to the 6th century BCE, not just the 19th century, although it underwent extensive renovation then.
According to legend, local Djerban artisans, rather than High Priests from Jerusalem, were responsible for crafting the synagogue's foundational stone and door.
Answer: False
Legend states that High Priests, fleeing after the destruction of Solomon's Temple, carried a door and a stone from the destroyed Temple, which were then incorporated into the synagogue's construction.
An alternative founding tradition for the El Ghriba Synagogue revolves around a young girl whose uncorrupted body was discovered and interred in a cave on the site, subsequently becoming a pilgrimage destination.
Answer: True
Another tradition suggests the synagogue was built on the spot where a young girl, 'ghriba,' had lived, and her uncorrupted body was reportedly found and buried in a cave, which became a site of annual pilgrimage.
The recess beneath the holy arc is designated as the cave of the girl, signifying the traditional burial site of the young girl from the synagogue's founding legend.
Answer: True
A recess underneath the holy arc is known as the cave of the girl, marking the traditional location where the uncorrupted body of the young girl from the synagogue's founding legend is believed to have been found and buried.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is also identified by the name Djerba Synagogue.
Answer: True
The El Ghriba Synagogue is also known as the Djerba Synagogue.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is situated several kilometers northeast of Houmt El Souk.
Answer: False
The El Ghriba Synagogue is located several kilometers southwest of Houmt El Souk.
What is the primary geographical location of the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: In the Jewish village of er-Riadh, southwest of Houmt El Souk on Djerba.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is located in the Jewish village of er-Riadh, several kilometers southwest of Houmt El Souk, on the island of Djerba, Tunisia.
In what century was the El Ghriba Synagogue originally established?
Answer: 6th century BCE
The El Ghriba Synagogue was established in the 6th century BCE, making it one of the oldest synagogues in the world.
What year marked Djerba's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an island home to the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: 2023
Djerba, the island where the El Ghriba Synagogue is located, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
According to a foundational legend, which ancient artifact is incorporated into the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: A stone or a door from either Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
One legend claims that a stone or a door from either Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple in Jerusalem is incorporated into the building.
How does the El Ghriba Synagogue's age compare to other synagogues worldwide?
Answer: It appears to be the oldest synagogue in the world, with origins potentially dating to the 6th century BCE.
The El Ghriba Synagogue appears to be the oldest synagogue in the world, with its buildings potentially dating back to the 6th century BCE.
According to legend, what items did High Priests transport from the destroyed Temple to contribute to the synagogue's founding?
Answer: A door and a stone from the destroyed Temple.
Legend states that High Priests, fleeing after the destruction of Solomon's Temple, carried a door and a stone from the destroyed Temple, which were then incorporated into the synagogue's construction.
Describe the alternative founding tradition of the El Ghriba Synagogue, which centers on a young girl.
Answer: It was built on the spot where a young girl, 'ghriba,' had lived, and her uncorrupted body was found and buried.
Another tradition suggests the synagogue was built on the spot where a young girl, 'ghriba,' had lived. After her death, her uncorrupted body was reportedly found by the Jews of a nearby village and buried in a cave, which subsequently became the site of an annual pilgrimage.
What is the significance of the recess situated beneath the holy arc in the synagogue?
Answer: It marks the traditional burial site of the young girl from the synagogue's founding legend.
A recess underneath the holy arc is known as the cave of the girl, marking the traditional location where the uncorrupted body of the young girl from the synagogue's founding legend is believed to have been found and buried.
By what other name is the El Ghriba Synagogue also known?
Answer: The Djerba Synagogue.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is also known as the Djerba Synagogue.
The current El Ghriba Synagogue building was erected in the early 20th century, having been relocated from its original 6th-century BCE site.
Answer: False
The current synagogue building was constructed at the end of the 19th century on the exact spot where the original 6th-century BCE building had stood, not relocated.
The exterior of the current El Ghriba Synagogue is richly decorated, mirroring the elaborate designs present within its interior.
Answer: False
The exterior of the current synagogue is described as a modest building, presenting a humble facade, in stark contrast to its richly decorated interior.
El Ghriba stands out among Djerban synagogues for its two covered halls, specifically designed to accommodate a greater influx of visitors and pilgrims.
Answer: True
Unlike other synagogues on Djerba, El Ghriba is uniquely characterized by having two covered halls, a design feature implemented to accommodate a larger number of visitors and pilgrims.
The first hall of the El Ghriba Synagogue was formed by roofing over a previously open courtyard, thereby expanding its capacity for visitors.
Answer: True
The first hall was created through the roofing of a formerly open courtyard, a structural extension undertaken specifically to increase the overall capacity for the number of visitors the synagogue could host.
The first covered hall of the El Ghriba Synagogue is a singular, undivided space, connected to the main hall via a single archway.
Answer: False
At the entrance of the first hall, two columns divide the room into three distinct areas, and it is connected to the main hall by three vaults, not a single archway.
The main hall of the El Ghriba Synagogue originally incorporated ten windows, symbolizing the Ten Commandments.
Answer: False
Initially, the main hall featured twelve windows, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, not ten windows symbolizing the Ten Commandments.
The Teva, housing the Torah scrolls, is situated on the eastern side of the prayer room, oriented towards Jerusalem.
Answer: False
The Teva, the cupboard for the Torah scrolls, is located under the skylight on the western side of the prayer room.
The local interpretation of the missing third column in the main hall is that it symbolizes the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem and the principle that only divinity is perfect.
Answer: True
Local tradition views the missing third column to the east as a deliberate reminder of the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, and that the building should remain unfinished to signify that nothing, except for divinity, is considered perfect.
The inner walls of the El Ghriba Synagogue are adorned with simple, unpainted stone, reflecting a humble aesthetic.
Answer: False
The inner walls of the El Ghriba Synagogue are elaborately adorned with hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring blue, white, and brown ornaments.
All pilgrim accommodation buildings within the inner courtyard of El Ghriba Synagogue were erected in the early 1950s.
Answer: False
The inner courtyard has buildings for pilgrim accommodation, with the oldest ones built at the end of the 19th century and newer ones from the early 1950s, not all in the early 1950s.
The 2007 image of the synagogue interior displays a minimalist design, which contradicts the textual description of its ornate inner decoration.
Answer: False
The 2007 image of the synagogue interior reveals a space that is richly decorated, consistent with the textual description of the building's ornate inner design.
The image portraying the synagogue's entrance depicts a modest external facade, contrasting with its elaborate interior.
Answer: True
The image showing the entrance of the synagogue conveys a modest external facade, which stands in contrast to the elaborate and richly decorated interior described in the article.
The image of the Courtyard of El Ghriba visually corroborates the existence of covered loggias and adjacent structures utilized for pilgrim accommodation.
Answer: True
The image of the Courtyard of El Ghriba visually confirms the presence of covered loggias, which are supported by columns, and also shows the adjacent buildings that are utilized for pilgrim accommodation.
The current synagogue building was erected in the 18th century, not the 19th.
Answer: False
The current synagogue building was constructed at the end of the 19th century.
The inner courtyard of the synagogue is encircled by open-air terraces, rather than covered loggias.
Answer: False
The inner courtyard of the synagogue is surrounded by covered loggias, which stand on columns, and adjacent buildings for pilgrim accommodation.
When was the current structure of the El Ghriba Synagogue constructed?
Answer: End of the 19th century
The current synagogue building was constructed at the end of the 19th century, built on the exact spot where the original 6th-century BCE building had stood.
Contrast the exterior design of the El Ghriba Synagogue with its interior aesthetics.
Answer: The exterior is modest, while the interior is richly decorated.
The exterior of the current synagogue is described as a modest building, presenting a humble facade, in stark contrast to its richly decorated interior.
Which architectural feature uniquely differentiates El Ghriba from other synagogues on Djerba?
Answer: Two covered halls.
Unlike other synagogues on Djerba, El Ghriba is uniquely characterized by having two covered halls, a design feature implemented to accommodate a larger number of visitors and pilgrims.
What was the objective of roofing over a formerly open courtyard in the synagogue's first hall?
Answer: To increase the overall capacity for visitors.
The first hall was created through the roofing of a formerly open courtyard, a structural extension undertaken specifically to increase the overall capacity for the number of visitors the synagogue could host.
Describe the structural arrangement of the first covered hall at the entrance of the El Ghriba Synagogue.
Answer: Two columns divide the room into three distinct areas.
At the entrance of the first hall, two columns divide the room into three distinct areas, and this hall is then connected to the main hall by three vaults.
What symbolic representation is linked to the initial number of windows in the synagogue's main hall?
Answer: The twelve tribes of Israel.
Initially, the main hall featured twelve windows, a number holding significant symbolic meaning, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Where is the Teva, the Torah cupboard, located within the El Ghriba Synagogue's prayer room?
Answer: Under the skylight on the western side of the prayer room.
The Teva, which is the cupboard used to house the Torah scrolls, is prominently located under the skylight on the western side of the prayer room.
What is the local interpretation for the absence of a third column in the synagogue's main hall?
Answer: It signifies that the building should remain unfinished to represent that only divinity is perfect.
Local tradition views the missing third column to the east as a deliberate reminder of the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, and that the building should remain unfinished to signify that nothing, except for divinity, is considered perfect.
Describe the adornment of the El Ghriba Synagogue's interior walls.
Answer: With hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring blue, white, and brown ornaments.
The inner walls of the El Ghriba Synagogue are elaborately adorned with hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring blue, white, and brown ornaments.
Which amenities are provided for pilgrims in the inner courtyard of the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: Covered loggias and adjacent buildings for accommodation.
The inner courtyard of the synagogue is surrounded by covered loggias, which stand on columns, and adjacent buildings available for pilgrims to use as accommodation.
What does the 2007 image of the synagogue interior disclose about its design?
Answer: A space that is richly decorated.
The 2007 image of the synagogue interior reveals a space that is richly decorated, consistent with the textual description of the building's ornate inner design.
What does the image illustrating the synagogue's entrance communicate about its external appearance?
Answer: A modest external facade.
The image showing the entrance of the synagogue conveys a modest external facade, which stands in contrast to the elaborate and richly decorated interior described in the article.
What visual information is conveyed by the image of the Courtyard of El Ghriba?
Answer: Covered loggias supported by columns and adjacent pilgrim accommodation buildings.
The image of the Courtyard of El Ghriba visually confirms the presence of covered loggias, which are supported by columns, and also shows the adjacent buildings that are utilized for pilgrim accommodation.
At the close of which century was the current El Ghriba Synagogue building constructed on the precise site of the original 6th-century BCE structure?
Answer: 19th century.
The current synagogue building was constructed at the end of the 19th century, built on the exact spot where the original 6th-century BCE building had stood.
Which colors characterize the ceramic tiles adorning the El Ghriba Synagogue's interior walls?
Answer: Blue, white, and brown.
The inner walls of the El Ghriba Synagogue are elaborately adorned with hand-painted ceramic tiles featuring blue, white, and brown ornaments.
The El Ghriba Synagogue adheres to the Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite, which is characteristic of the distinct customs of North African Jewish communities.
Answer: True
The El Ghriba Synagogue is affiliated with Orthodox Judaism and observes the Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite, which is specific to Jewish communities from the Maghreb region of North Africa.
The El Ghriba Synagogue operates exclusively as a historical museum, having ceased its function as an active place of worship.
Answer: False
The El Ghriba Synagogue is currently active, serving as both a central place for Jewish life on Djerba and a significant Jewish site of pilgrimage, not solely a museum.
Djerba currently hosts approximately 1,300 Jews, for whom the El Ghriba Synagogue continues to be a central element of their community life.
Answer: True
Djerba is currently home to approximately 1,300 Jews, for whom the El Ghriba Synagogue remains an important and central feature of their community life and religious practice.
Local Djerban Jews don a white band around their pants, symbolizing purity and peace.
Answer: False
Local Jews on Djerba wear a black band around their pants, which serves as a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The image of individuals visiting El Ghriba emphasizes the synagogue's role primarily as a historical landmark, rather than an active site of worship.
Answer: False
The image of people visiting El Ghriba highlights the synagogue's ongoing role as an active site of worship and a significant destination for pilgrims, demonstrating its continued importance to the community.
The Maghrebi rite observed at El Ghriba Synagogue pertains to customs specific to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.
Answer: False
The Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite refers to the distinct customs and traditions of Jewish communities from the Maghreb region of North Africa.
Which religious rite is observed at the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite
The El Ghriba Synagogue observes the Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite, which is specific to Jewish communities from the Maghreb region of North Africa.
Describe the dual function currently served by the El Ghriba Synagogue.
Answer: A central place for Jewish life on Djerba and a significant Jewish site of pilgrimage.
The synagogue is currently active and serves a dual function: it is both a central place for Jewish life on Djerba and a significant Jewish site of pilgrimage.
What is the approximate current Jewish population residing on the island of Djerba?
Answer: Approximately 1,300 Jews.
Djerba is currently home to approximately 1,300 Jews, for whom the El Ghriba Synagogue remains an important and central feature of their community life and religious practice.
Identify the distinctive dress element worn by local Djerban Jews and its symbolic significance.
Answer: A black band around their pants, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Local Jews on Djerba wear a black band around their pants, which serves as a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
What aspect of the synagogue's function is highlighted by the image of people visiting El Ghriba?
Answer: Its ongoing role as an active site of worship and a significant destination for pilgrims.
The image of people visiting El Ghriba highlights the synagogue's ongoing role as an active site of worship and a significant destination for pilgrims, demonstrating its continued importance to the community.
The Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite, observed at El Ghriba Synagogue, is characteristic of Jewish communities from which geographical region?
Answer: The Maghreb region of North Africa.
The Maghrebi (Tochavim) rite refers to the distinct customs and traditions of Jewish communities from the Maghreb region of North Africa.
What symbolic meaning is attributed to the black band worn around the pants by local Djerban Jews?
Answer: A reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The black band worn around their pants by local Djerban Jews serves as a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba Synagogue occurs annually during the festival of Sukkot.
Answer: False
The annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba Synagogue takes place every year on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period observed between the Jewish festivals of Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot.
The El Ghriba pilgrimage commemorates the tannaitic Rabbis Meir Baal HaNess and Simeon bar Yochai.
Answer: True
The pilgrimage festivities begin on the 14th of Iyar in remembrance of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess and last until Lag BaOmer, on the 18th of Iyar, commemorating Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai.
The 2007 image of the Lag Ba'Omer procession depicts participants returning to the El Ghriba Synagogue, a pivotal event of the annual pilgrimage.
Answer: True
The 2007 image illustrates a Lag Ba'Omer procession, depicting participants returning to the El Ghriba synagogue, which is a central and vibrant event of the annual pilgrimage.
The annual pilgrimage to El Ghriba exclusively commemorates Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai.
Answer: False
The pilgrimage commemorates both Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess (starting 14th Iyar) and Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai (Lag BaOmer, 18th Iyar).
Precisely when does the annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba Synagogue take place within the Jewish calendar?
Answer: On the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer.
The annual pilgrimage to the El Ghriba Synagogue takes place every year on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, a period observed between the Jewish festivals of Pesach and Shavuot.
Which revered rabbis are honored during the El Ghriba pilgrimage?
Answer: Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess and Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai.
The pilgrimage festivities begin on the 14th of Iyar in remembrance of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess and last until Lag BaOmer, on the 18th of Iyar, commemorating Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai.
What does the 2007 image of the Lag Ba'Omer procession depict?
Answer: Participants returning to the El Ghriba synagogue as part of the annual pilgrimage.
The 2007 image illustrates a Lag Ba'Omer procession, depicting participants returning to the El Ghriba synagogue, which is a central and vibrant event of the annual pilgrimage.
The 1985 attack on the synagogue was an isolated incident, disconnected from broader regional conflicts or Israeli military operations.
Answer: False
The 1985 attack was a direct response to Operation Wooden Leg, an Israeli military operation that targeted PLO headquarters in Tunisia, and occurred amidst a wave of anti-Jewish sentiment.
The 2002 terrorist bombing at the El Ghriba Synagogue involved a truck laden with explosives and caused 21 fatalities, among them 14 German tourists.
Answer: True
On April 11, 2002, a truck filled with explosives was detonated close to the synagogue, killing 21 people, including 14 German tourists, five Tunisians, and two French nationals.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is overseen by an independent administration committee established during the French protectorate.
Answer: True
The El Ghriba Synagogue is supervised by an independent administration committee, which was established at the end of the 19th century, during the period when Djerba was a French protectorate.
The primary responsibility of the El Ghriba Synagogue's administration committee is to manage its finances and supervise its daily maintenance.
Answer: False
The administration committee's primary responsibilities include organizing the annual pilgrimage to the synagogue and distributing the revenues generated from the pilgrimage to the village elders.
The 1985 attack on the synagogue transpired during the festival of Passover.
Answer: False
The 1985 attack occurred during the festival of Simchat Torah.
The 2002 bombing was financially supported by a Pakistani resident of Spain.
Answer: True
Investigations revealed that the 2002 attack was financed by a Pakistani resident of Spain.
The 2023 attack led to the fatalities of two Jewish cousins and two Tunisian security guards.
Answer: True
The May 9, 2023, assault resulted in the shooting deaths of two Jewish cousins and two Tunisian security guards.
The administration committee of El Ghriba Synagogue was formed subsequent to Tunisia's independence from France.
Answer: False
The independent administration committee was established at the end of the 19th century, during the period when Djerba was a French protectorate, not after independence.
Describe the nature of the 1985 terrorist attack on the El Ghriba Synagogue.
Answer: A shooting by a local policeman into a crowd of celebrating Jews.
In 1985, during the festival of Simchat Torah, a local policeman responsible for guarding the synagogue opened fire into a crowd of celebrating Jews.
Which event instigated the 1985 attack on the synagogue by a local policeman?
Answer: An Israeli military operation targeting PLO headquarters in Tunisia.
The 1985 attack was a direct response to Operation Wooden Leg, an Israeli military operation that targeted PLO headquarters in Tunisia.
What was the total number of fatalities in the 2002 terrorist bombing at the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: 21 people.
The 2002 bombing killed 21 people, among whom were 14 German tourists, five Tunisians, and two French nationals.
Describe the nature of the violent attack that transpired at the El Ghriba Synagogue on May 9, 2023.
Answer: A member of the Tunisian National Guard launched a shooting attack on Jewish worshippers outside the synagogue.
On May 9, 2023, a member of the Tunisian National Guard launched a violent attack on Jewish worshippers outside the synagogue.
Which entity holds responsibility for the oversight and management of the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: An independent administration committee.
The El Ghriba Synagogue is supervised by an independent administration committee, established at the end of the 19th century during the French protectorate.
What are the principal responsibilities of the El Ghriba Synagogue's administration committee?
Answer: Organizing the annual pilgrimage and distributing revenues to village elders.
The administration committee's primary responsibilities include organizing the annual pilgrimage to the synagogue and distributing the revenues generated from the pilgrimage to the village elders.
What was the number of Tunisian security guards killed in the May 9, 2023, attack on the El Ghriba Synagogue?
Answer: Two.
The May 9, 2023, assault resulted in the shooting deaths of two Jewish cousins and two Tunisian security guards.
When was the independent administration committee for the El Ghriba Synagogue formally established?
Answer: At the end of the 19th century, during the French protectorate.
The independent administration committee was established at the end of the 19th century, during the period when Djerba was a French protectorate.
Until the 1950s, El Ghriba was one of merely two active synagogues on Djerba, thereby constituting a rare site for Jewish worship.
Answer: False
Until the 1950s, there were approximately 20 synagogues in use across the three Jewish villages on Djerba, with El Ghriba being the most famous and prominent among them, not one of only two.
Kairouan and Or Thora (Tunis) are enumerated among the former synagogues in Tunisia.
Answer: True
The former synagogues in Tunisia listed in the provided information are El Hamma, Hara Seghira, Kairouan, Mouansa, and Or Thora (Tunis).
Describe the prevalence of synagogues on Djerba until the 1950s and El Ghriba's status among them.
Answer: Approximately 20 synagogues were in use, with El Ghriba being the most famous and prominent.
Until the 1950s, there were approximately 20 synagogues in use across the three Jewish villages on Djerba, with El Ghriba being recognized as the most famous and prominent among them.
Aside from El Ghriba, which of the following is listed as an active synagogue in Tunisia?
Answer: Bet Mordechai (La Goulette).
Other active synagogues in Tunisia mentioned include Kohanim (Djirt), Bet Mordechai (La Goulette), Kether Torah (Sousse), Grand (Tunis), Keren Yéchoua, and Zarzis.
Which of the following is identified as a former synagogue in Tunisia?
Answer: Mouansa.
The former synagogues in Tunisia listed in the provided information are El Hamma, Hara Seghira, Kairouan, Mouansa, and Or Thora (Tunis).
Based on the provided information, which of the following is NOT listed as an active synagogue in Tunisia?
Answer: Kairouan.
Kairouan is listed among the former synagogues in Tunisia, not as an active one.