19 December
Becoming Your Own Apprentice and Master - Independent Learning 
December 19, 2024 Becoming Your Own Apprentice and Master - Independent Learning
December 16, 2024 Movie Review: A Real Pain
December 12, 2024 The Address of the American Rare Book Collection "Library of Congress"
December 5, 2024 New Exhibition from the Museum of the Princes´ Islands
Jaffa Bet El Sagol Synagogue Reopened
The old Bet El Synagogue in Jaffa which had served the Turkish Jews in Israel is renewed and opened for service once again on June 19th.Sara YANAROCAK
June 29, 2021
Translation by Janet MITRANI
After the special opening ceremony organized by the 'Union of the Jews of Turkey in Israel (IYT - Itahdut Yotsei Turkia)', Bet El Synagogue is once again in service for the worshipers. The opening ceremony hosted a distinguished group of guests including the Sagol Family who made the renewal of the synagogue possible, Moreno Margonato, IYT Chairman of the Advisory (Moatsa) Board Yakup Barokas, Members of the Advisory (Moatsa) Board and spouses, and IYT Members of the Board of Directors.
Following the speeches of IYT Chairman of the Board Ovi Roditi Gülerşen and Moreno Margonato after the Shehecheyanu Prayer recited along with the Hazzan and the lighting of the Havdalah Candle, the young violinist Dilan Karayılan gave a small concert with her violin. The young artist, who interpreted works from Shostakovich to Turkish compositions and a few Israeli works with folkloric motifs, received a big applause from the audience at the end of her concert. Karayılan, who is a student of Prof. Cihat Aşkın, is currently studying the first grade at Tel Aviv University Music Academy.
Itzhak Sagol, after her violin concert, presented Dilan Karayılan with a certificate of appreciation. Also, Chairman Ovi Gülerşen presented Yeşua Avaz, the synagogue's Chairman of the Board a silver 'Yad [Hand]' after his speech of appreciation in Hebrew.
After this ceremonial event, guests had a pleasant time savoring the delicacies presented by the Sagol Family. This synagogue will from now on continue to serve the Jews of Turkish origin, for both worshiping and celebrating their happy events.
A short history of Bet El Synagogue:
Bet El Synagogue started to serve the Jews from Turkey living in Jaffa and its vicinity in 1963. However, when the Turkish immigrants had started to move to other districts mainly Bat Yam, the number of synagogue-goers decreased, decay and corruption started due to neglect. At this stage Sagol Family, one of Israel's most important philanthropic families stepped in and provided the necessary funds to renew the old building with a large donation. The interior furnishings and ornaments of the renewed building were made by donations from the worshipers of the synagogue, and donations made from inside and outside of Israel.
To watch the video of the opening ceremony and the violin concert please visit the YouTube link below:
Related News
5 December
New Exhibition from the Museum of the Princes´ Islands
A new photography exhibition, "The Islands Were Here Before Bodrum, Marmaris Came Along!" is opened by the Museum of the Princes´ Islands, at the Historical Ferry Pier in Büyükada.
14 November
"Humor on the Margins: Cartoons in the Turkish Jewish Newspaper Şalom" by Rakel P. Meşulam
Rakel P. Meşulam signed her first book "Humor on the Margins: Cartoons in the Turkish Jewish Newspaper Şalom (1947-2016)" at Schneidertempel Arts Center.
7 November
The "Ottoman and Turkish Ketubbot" Exhibition
The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews is opening an exhibition of Ketubbot (Jewish wedding contracts), some from forgotten corners of our homes, some as already discovered works of art, some from the walls of the collectors, some from the Chief Rabbinate Collection, on November 7th, at Schneidertempel Arts Center, after they have been cleaned and maintained.
24 October
Izzet Keribar´s "Journey of Colors" Exhibition at Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern, Turkey´s first modern and contemporary art museum, is preparing to host photography artist Izzet Keribar´s solo exhibition "Journey of Colors".
8 August
Kasadolu Draws Attention to the Increasing Hostility Towards Turkish Jews
The businessperson Doğan Kasadolu wrote a letter to AKP´s Ankara Member of Parliament Tuğrul Türkeş, drawing attention to the increasing anti-Semitism.
30 May
Annette Bat Mitzvah Club and Yoel Bar Mitzvah Club Year-End Ceremonies
The 2023-2024 "Collective Bat Mitzvah Ceremony" of the Annette Bat Mitzvah Club girls, founded in 2002 within the Chief Rabbinate of Turkey Education Commission (HEGKOM), was celebrated in the Neve Shalom Synagogue on Sunday, May 26th.
