The Great Synagogue

 

There were up to 10 synagogues in Aden, the largest being 'Magen Avraham', and known as 'the Great Synagogue', which was built on the site of an earlier synagogue dating to 1856. It was considered one of the most magnificent in the world, with room for 1,000. The image to the right gives an idea of it's size whilst the panoramic picture lower in this article provides an indication of it's splendour.

The Great Synagogue 'Magen Avraham'

Most men would pray daily but on the Sabbath  they all attended synagogue, the focal point of the community. No movement of cars would be seen on the streets in the Jewish quarter and no Jewish shops or businesses in Crater or Steamer Point would be found open. It was not usual for women to attend the synagogue but for those married women who did a mikveh (ritual bath) was attached to the synagogue for their use.  

 

The Great Synagogue 'Magen Avraham'

Also attached to the synagogue was a 'Beth Hamedrash' (house of study) and the first and only Hebrew printing press founded by Menachem Awwad (Howard) in 1891. Those who collect Aden postcards will be familiar with seeing the name M. Howard printed as copyright owner on the cards.