Beit Rachel Synagogue, Astana
Beit Rachel Synagogue is a synagogue in Astana, Kazakhstan. Opened on September 7, 2004, it is the largest synagogue in Central Asia.
| Beit Rachel Synagogue | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Location | |
| Municipality | Astana |
| Country | Kazakhstan |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | September 7, 2004 |
Its opening ceremony was attended by President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger.[1] Its construction was funded by Kazakh-Israeli billionaire Alexander Mashkevitch.[2][3]The synagogue is named after Rachel Joffe, mother of Alexander Mashkevich, leader of Kazakh Jewry and president of the EAJC.[4] The Jakarta Post describes the synagogue, a rare example of its kind a Muslim-majority country, as "a symbol of how a Muslim country can build and sustain a peaceful relationship between Islam and Judaism."[5]
Architectural design
The area of the Beit Rachel Synagogue is 5,6 thousand square meters. meters (~ 60 thousand square ft). The roof reaches a height of 25 meters (82 ft). The top of the roof is decorated with the star of David, which is a symbol of faith and community. Inside there are separate prayer halls for men and women. There are rooms for overnight accommodation during the holy day of Shabbat.[4]
References
- Staff, J. (2004-09-10). "Largest synagogue in Central Asia opens in Kazakhstan". J. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- "Jewish and proud in provincial Kazakhstan". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- Jordan, Michael J. (2008-12-19). "A shared destiny among Jews, Kazakhs". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
- "Beit Rachel Synagogue". Archived on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023
- "Learning to tolerate Judaism in Kazakhstan - The Jakarta Post". www.thejakartapost.com. Retrieved 2023-05-10.