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Slat Saba at Fez, Morocco
The Saba Synagogue—known as Slat Saba—is a premier example of the small synagogues that dotted the Jewish quarter or mellah of Fez up until the mid 20th century. This site features rare photos and video of the synagogue being used in the early 1900s and 1950s, but also of a visit by Diarna staff to the site in 2007. Today, Slat Saba is a private home.
Description
Stylings: Although today it is a private home, the 400-year-old building retains many of the characteristics of its original purpose, especially the Torah arks (now used as closets). The intricate tiling, wood carving decorations and paint colors remain remarkably vivid and well preserved.
Layout: The main sanctuary is divided into six sections by grand columns, with a skylight three stories above allowing in natural light. Set back and above the main sanctuary was once an alcove for the tevah (prayer stand), directly opposite the wooden Torah arks, which can be seen as panels along the far wall. This alcove was accessed from a separate entrance and looked out over the sanctuary. Today, however, it has been closed to divide the rooms, and the steps leading up to the ark have been removed. The original green and white tile floors remain, and a small women's section can be seen behind wooden lattice work on the side high above the main floor.
Listen to Rabbi Meir Israel read from Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther) in Slat Saba on Purim.
Key: In the video below, Fez-native Mukhluf Mamman speaks in Arabic about his memories of the Saba Synagogue in the mellah of Fez, located off La Grande Rue de Mellah to the north on Derb Saba (the western side of the street). He recalls that his grandfather, Mordechai Attia, who lived nearby, was the main guardian of this private synagogue. Early every morning, he would open the synagogue's front-door, using an old key with a heavy round ball keychain. It is said that when Mr. Attia died, the imprint of the keychain ball was indelibly molded into the palm of his hand.
Slat Saba in Fez - Memories of Mukhluf Mamman
Status: Visiting the site today requires appealing to the owner of the house. If she agrees to allow you to enter, a small tip is typically in order.
Sources
“Edge of the West,” (France: 1961), 30:25-31:18. The Hebrew University Spielberg Film Archives. Accessed January 17, 2014. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtBMKGxNlNg&feature=youtu.be.