Kahal Shalom Synagogue

First time in a Synagogue and it was really informative about the history of the Jewish people in Rhodes town, lovely museum

Immersive, moving place to visit. Made very welcome. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Museum very well presented with lots of information about historical 'story arc' about the Jewish Community on Rhodes and their kaleidoscopic fates. Very challenging and moving information and artifacts about how dreadfully the individuals, families and community have suffered at the hands of 'conquerors' over the centuries. But, also tales of good people doing good things to effect good outcomes. Well worth a visit, well worth supporting.

I've never met such hostility and suspicion upon wanting to give buisness to a place of worship The Golem in the entrance wanted to search me I obliged and for some reason he found my eagerness to cooperate suspicious Suffice to say i took my business elsewhere and saved myself 6€

Fantastic information on the deportation of the Jews to the concentrations camps. A son of one of the holocaust survivors was happy to sit down with us for some time and tell us his mother’s story and showing us the documents. It’s a shame the Sephardic Jews didn’t come back but completely understandable that they didn’t. It is lovely that there was the one man who had ties to Rhodes but apart from that there is no one with links to Judaism from Rhodes.

Great descriptions of the Rhodes Jewish community over the centuries. Pictures, artifacts and videos tell important stories of persistence.

I went here specifically to read the names of the deported Jews during the Holocaust. A difficult task emotionally each person deserves to be remembered. The shocking difference between visiting a war cemetery and a Holocaust memorial is you seldom see family names repeated on headstones whereas a Holocaust memorial is entirely family names. Entire families men,women and children wiped from existence. If anything take the time to read one family of names. Time well spent, never forget!

The synagogue in the old city of Rhodes The synagogue is also a museum of Judaism in Rhodes. Entrance to the synagogue and museum costs 4 euros. The entrance is in a side alley until you reach it you don't see the place, so enter and walk until you reach it. The synagogue is in excellent condition. The Ark of the Covenant, bulbs and seats are in excellent condition, so you can get a full impression of the Judaism that was there. A well-kept patio and a small museum that describes the history of the Jews in Rhodes.

the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, a site of immense historical and cultural importance located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Rhodes. Built in 1577, this is the oldest synagogue in Greece and one of the oldest in Europe, serving as a living testament to the once-thriving Sephardic Jewish community of Rhodes. **Architectural Features** The synagogue's design is a blend of Sephardic and Ottoman influences, evident in its unique layout and ornamentation. The structure houses a central bimah (podium) and is adorned with beautiful stone arches. The wooden Ehal, or Torah ark, is a significant feature, intricately crafted and adorned. **Historical Context** Rhodes had a vibrant Jewish community for centuries, and the Kahal Shalom Synagogue was at its spiritual and communal heart. However, the community was decimated during World War II, when the majority were deported to Auschwitz. The synagogue thus stands as a monument not just to religious practice, but also to memory and resilience. **Museum and Memorial** Adjoining the synagogue is a small but impactful Jewish Museum, displaying a collection of photographs, ritual objects, and artifacts that trace the history and customs of the Jewish community in Rhodes. There's also a poignant Holocaust memorial within the synagogue's courtyard, honoring those who were lost. **Cultural Importance** Today, the synagogue is no longer a regularly functioning house of worship due to the small size of the current Jewish community. However, it is often opened for special ceremonies, cultural events, and educational tours. **Visitor Information** The site is open to visitors, and there's a modest admission fee that goes toward maintenance and educational efforts. Photography is usually permitted, but it's always good to check the latest visitor guidelines. Spending an hour or so here will give you ample time to explore the synagogue and the adjoining museum. **Nearby Attractions** The Kahal Shalom Synagogue is within walking distance of other significant landmarks in the Old City, including the Grand Master’s Palace, making it an integral part of any historical tour of Rhodes. I hope this tour stop enriches your understanding of the diverse cultural tapestry of Rhodes and the Sephardic Jewish legacy that is so poignantly encapsulated here. Thank you for your visit, and please take your time to absorb the depth of history that this site offers.