Obj. ID: 9657
Jewish Architecture  Synagogue in Alessandria - small prayer hall

To the main object: Synagogue in Alessandria, Italy

The first floor contains a small prayer hall, known as the Winter Synagogue. It is placed in the right side (south) of the entrance corridor. The hall is a rectangular small room, set in an east-west axis. The Torah ark is a simple white cupboard, set within a niche, which probably was part of a larger room, built along the eastern wall. In front of the ark is a fenced platform enclosing the bimah and several seats for the elders of the community, including an Elijah's Chair. The walls are plastered with rectangular panels, in which one is inscribed with a verse from Psalm, in Hebrew and Italian:

"O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall all flesh come" (Ps. 65:2).

Another small inner courtyard, also used for Sukkot is situated in the east- north corner of the compound. Its southern wall is inscribed with a Hebrew inscription, indicating its use:

"Ye shall dwell in booths seven days" (Lev. 23:42).

This space was probably the back entrance to the synagogue, to be reached through the Jewish quarter. Today the entrance is blocked and there is no access to the Jewish neighborhood.