December 1, 2005 – February 24,
2006
at the Center for Jewish History, New York
Jews have dwelled and flourished in Syria for thousands
of years. Evidence of a thriving ancient Jewish community
may be detected as early as the first century of the Common
Era (CE). The cultural and religious continuum of Jews in
Syria is reflected through the presence of Syrian Synagogues
dating from as early as the 3rd century C.E. With the relaxing
of emigration policies in 1990 thousands of Syrian Jews left,
leaving these synagogues unattended and desolate. Instability
in the Middle East has increased the need and importance of
recording the beauty of the Syrian Synagogues before their
possible disappearance. The splendor and grandeur of the synagogues
of Syria may soon be preserved only through photographs like
these.
The most ancient and well-known Syrian Synagogue, the Dura-Europos
synagogue, erected in the 3rd century and located
in southeastern Syria, preserves the rich artistic style of
ancient Syrian Jews. This synagogue was destroyed by the Persians
a decade after it was built leaving no memory of its magnificent
frescos until it was excavated in the 1930’s. Although
located in modern Syria, neither its history nor its geography
links Dura-Europos to later Syrian synagogues.
This exhibition focuses on the Syrian Synagogues of Aleppo,
Tadef and Damascus: The Great Aleppo Synagogue, Elijah Synagogue,
Menarsha Synagogue, Disha Synagogue, Tadef Synagogue, Shema’a
Synagogue, Minyan, El Franj, and the Racqy Synagogue.
The synagogues represented in this exhibition are unknown
to all but a small number of Syrian Jews. These buildings
have never before been photographed. Silenced
Sacred Spaces introduces this legacy to the
public for the first time.
In April 1995, a unique opportunity allowed Robert
Lyons to visit Syria and photograph historic sites.
Thanks to the Syrian Jewish Community that helped arrange
Lyons’ itinerary and the support of the World Monuments
Fund, the memory of these synagogues has been preserved through
these magnificent photographs. Robert Lyons records the architecturally
impressive and richly decorated synagogues in what, for the
most part, is their intact state. Through these remarkable
portraits, Lyons captured the richness of detail and beauty
of these Syrian Synagogues, leaving a strong impression to
be etched in the memory of us all.
The Syrian Synagogues are a testament to the ancient heritage
and culture of the Syrian Jews and a legacy that must be remembered
and preserved.
More about the exhibit: http://www.isjm.org/country/syria/sss.htm
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