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Temple Menasce (Menashe) Synagogue, Alexandria, Egypt
In the 19th century, the Jews of Alexandria experienced a period of prosperity, thanks to the economic reforms and efforts of the Ottoman viceroy, Muhammad Ali [4]. During this time, the Jewish community flourished, and began building a more established community [4], with the construction of schools, hospitals, and temples. Located in the center of Alexandria, in what is now Saad Zaghloul Square, Temple Menasce was built during this time of success, by one of the leading Jewish families of the time.
Description
Description
Tucked only a few blocks away from the warm breezes and colorful fishing boats of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor, Temple Menasce sits amid the bustle of central Alexandria. The 19th Century structure features high-vaulted ceilings and multiple arches lining the center aisle of the sanctuary. The magnificent Torah ark sits as the visual centerpiece, with its ornate stone and marble edifice. Two small ionic columns sit on either side of the arched wooden doorway leading to the hidden Torah scrolls. A balcony for women rings the sanctuary giving the space an open, airy feel. Though today thick layers of dust coat the grand wooden Bimah, there is hope that one day this beautiful Synagoge will once again be restored. In September of 2017, it was added to Egypt’s list of Islamic, Coptic and Jewish national monuments. This protection ensures that, at the very least, this important Jewish structure cannot be torn down.
History
Funded by the Menasce banking family, Temple Menasce was opened on December 30, 1872 with great fanfare.The ceremony was attended by government officials, including the Governor of Alexandria, as well as members of the Muslim community. The multicultural feel was continued during the dedication ceremony, with the prayer that was written by Yacoub Menasce being recited in both Hebrew, by the Chief Rabbi, and in Arabic, by the President of the Tribunal of Commerce of Alexandria. Newspapers of the time note that the “the choral portions of the service were of exceptional merit.” [1]
In 1882, English forces bombed Alexandria from the Mediterranean Sea, destroying many buildings along the seafront [2,3]. Despite Temple Menasce’s proximity to many damaged and destroyed buildings, it remained intact.
Family
The Menasce family was “one of the most powerful Egyptian Jewish families in the 19th and 20th centuries”. [5] They contributed significantly to the development of the economy in Egypt. Before coming to Egypt, the family resided in Morocco and Palestine. [5] The earliest-mentioned family member in Egypt was Jacob Levi Menasce (also spelled Yacoub) who was born in Cairo in 1802. Jacob was granted granted citizenship to Austria-Hungary and a baronship by emperor Franz Joseph. While his family was in Cairo, Mr. Menasce became the president of the Cairo Jewish community and the leader of the Austrio-Hungarian subjects there. [4] Like his father, he started his career as a sarraf (banker) in Cairo’s Jewish quarter. [5] He went on to start an important import-export company, J.L. Menasce et Fils, in partnership with Jacob Cattaoui (Qaṭṭāwī). [5] This very successful trading house eventually opened branches in Marseilles and Liverpool. [4] In 1871, the family moved to Alexandria. [4, 5] Afterwards, Jacob quarrelled with the local families of note which created a split in the community. [5] This led him to establish a separate community, including a synagogue in 1872 and a school in 1881. [4] He also built a hospital that still exists today. Jacob eventually reconciled with the families and died in Alexandria in 1885. His sons and their descendents also achieved leadership roles in Alexandria in banking and philanthropy. [4]
Sources
Notes
[1] "Dedication of a Synagogue in Alexandria." The Jewish Chronicle, February 2, 1873. Jewish Chronicle Archive, accessed June 7, 2018.
[2] Stephen Luscombe. “The British Empire, Imperialism, Colonialism, Colonies: Egypt 1882”. The British Empire, accessed June 7, 2018
[3] "Alexandria Bombardment of 1882 Photograph Album." AUC Rare Books and Special Collections Digital Library, accessed June 7, 2018
[4] Haim J. Cohen, and Leah Bornstein-Makovetsky. Encyclopaedia Judaica (Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007) accessed June 7,2018 .
[5] Adame Guerin. Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World, accessed June 7,2018.
Bibliography
"Alexandria Bombardment of 1882 Photograph Album." AUC Rare Books and Special Collections Digital Library, accessed June 7, 2018. http://digitalcollections.aucegypt.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15795coll9
Cohen, Haim J., and Leah Bornstein-Makovetsky. "Menasce, De." In Encyclopaedia Judaica, 2nd ed., edited by Michael Berenbaum and Fred Skolnik, 28. Vol. 14. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. World History In Context (accessed June 6, 2018). http://link.galegroup.com.ezproxy.wellesley.edu/apps/doc/CX2587513636/WHIC?u=mlin_m_wellcol&sid=WHIC&xid=13197315.
"Dedication of a Synagogue in Alexandria." The Jewish Chronicle, February 2, 1873. Jewish Chronicle Archive.
Guerin, Adame, “Menasce Family.” In Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World, edited by
Norman A. Stillman, Phillip I. Ackerman-Lieberman, Yaron Ayalon, Avigdor Levy, Vera B. Moreen, Meira Polliack, Angel Saenz-Badillos and, and Daniel Schroeter. (accessed June 6, 2018)
http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopedia-of-jews-in-the-islamic-world%252Fmenasce-family-SIM_0015080.
Luscombe, Stephen. "The British Empire, Imperialism, Colonialism, Colonies: Egypt: 1882." The British Empire. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armycampaigns/africancampaigns/egypt1882/egypt1882.htm
Mackie, J. Allen and Michael J. Rimer. Encyclopaedia Britannica. 15th ed., s.v. “Alexandria”. Encyclopaedia Britannica, inc. 2017.
The Gale Group. Encyclopedia Judaica. 2nd ed., s.v. “Alexandria, Egypt”. Detroit: Gale, 2007.
Write-up written and researched by Abby Ow, Sarah Lord, and Sophie Call on 8 June 2018