Ohel Moshe Great Synagogue

The great synagogue of Ohel Moshe, one of the first neighbourhoods built outside the Old City walls. The sign above its gate tells the story in two lines: founded in 5643 (1882/3), and named for Sir Moses Montefiore, whose fund paid for the neighbourhood itself. It stands in a narrow lane among Jerusalem stone houses, with wrought-iron stairs, a rooftop pergola and the neighbours' laundry opposite. Not a museum piece but a working neighbourhood synagogue, in the same spot for nearly a hundred and fifty years.