Welcome to Etz Hayyim Synagogue, Hania
Until 1999 Etz Hayyim was a desecrated house of prayer that remained the sole Jewish monument on the Island of Crete after the destruction of our Jewish community in 1944. Essentially it stood as a monument to the success of the Nazis in obliterating 2300 years of Jewish life on the Island of Crete. From 1996 until the year of its re-dedication in 1999 the structure has been painstakingly restored. The philosophy that directed this work is summed up in the Hebrew – ‘Am Israel Hayy’ – ‘The people of Israel Live’. Today it stands as a vibrant statement of Jewish life, vitality and values, whereas yesterday it was still mentioned on the World Monument Fund’s list of most endangered sites!
Since the time of its re-dedication Etz Hayyim has quickly assumed an important role as a place of prayer, reconciliation and as a resource center.
We invite you to share in the many facets of its new life.
When visiting we ask that you keep in mind the following…
- This is an active Synagogue and visitors are required to dress appropriately. When entering the Synagogue men must have their heads covered, and woman must have their shoulders covered.
- Groups of more then ten people will NOT be allowed at the same time
- Tours within the Synagogue will be given by Synagogue Staff and Volunteers ONLY.
- The Synagogue is volunteer based, and needs your support to remain open. A minimum donation of 1 Euro per person is suggested.
- Synagogue Staff and Volunteers have the right to deny access to groups or individuals that do not conform to the rules of the Synagogue or for safety reasons.
