Restoring the Crown to Its Former Glory – Saving the Historic “Hadrat Kodesh” Synagogue in Haifa

Restoring the Crown to Its Former Glory – Saving the Historic “Hadrat Kodesh” Synagogue in Haifa The sanctuary where leading Torah sages and fighters of Israel’s War of Independence once prayed now stands abandoned, neglected, and silent. After decades of disrepair, we are reopening its gates, clearing away the ruins, and restoring the sound of Torah and prayer to the heart of Hadar HaCarmel. There are places where holiness can be felt in every stone, and the “Hadrat Kodesh” Synagogue on Nevi’im Steps Street in Haifa is such a place. More than 90 years ago, in the month of Adar 5693 (1933), the cornerstone of this modest sanctuary was laid, and it soon became a spiritual beacon and symbol of splendor in Jewish Haifa. Within its walls echoed the prayers of towering Torah scholars and righteous leaders of the generation. Among those who entered its gates with reverence was Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook, the first Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel, who came together with his son Rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria, and both delivered the Priestly Blessing during the morning prayer. The synagogue was led by the eminent Rabbi Yehoshua Kanyiel of blessed memory and Rabbi Gemara, served as the first seat of the Haifa Rabbinate, hosted the first class of the Reali School at the beginning of its journey, and became a gathering place where the Jews of Haifa poured out their hearts in times of joy and awe. The story of “Hadrat Kodesh” is also interwoven with the rebirth of our nation: during the struggle for the establishment of the State of Israel, the building served as a forward post of the Carmeli Brigade, and from the sanctity of the synagogue fighters went out on missions to defend the residents of Haifa and liberate the city, embodying a rare and powerful union between the book and the sword. In recent months, a major restoration has begun with the assistance of the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel; the roof has been replaced and plaster work completed, and the long-neglected structure is beginning to return to life. The Haifa Municipality has committed to assisting in constructing a new entrance to the building, and the project is steadily taking shape. Now we are restoring the soul to the stones. The “Hadrat Kodesh” Association, in partnership with the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, has prepared a meticulous architectural plan to save the building, including opening a dignified new entrance at street level, establishing a study hall and heritage learning center for students from across the city, and creating permanent Torah study programs within the synagogue throughout the week. You are invited to take part in this great merit by making a meaningful donation and commemorating loved ones within the synagogue. For coordination: Yaakov – +972-52-648-4943; Yossi – +972-50-598-6364.