judaism

  • A Visit to a Synagogue with Decorations

    Written by OnurInal on April 2nd, 2010 in Religions in Turkey1 Comment
    A Visit to a Synagogue with Decorations
    It is true that Judaism, like Islam, does not approve pictorial depictions, foremost of revered personalities. However, Jews of Istanbul did not adhere to the restrictions imposed by Orthodox Judaism on the use of images in religious sites. They were tolerant and receptive to arts overall. To witness that and visit a synagogue with interior decorations, one does not need to go too far, but to Kuzguncuk, a multicultural, fairy-tale like neighborhood on the Asian part of the Bosporus. Before you jump on a boat from Beşiktaş or Eminönü to get to the Beth Yaakov Synagogue, let me give you...

    Read Full Entry