Ades Synagogue - Center For Syrian Hazzanut

Center For Syrian Hazzanut

Ades attracts many visitors from Israel and abroad, in part because of its unique liturgical style. Ades has two daily morning services (including Shabbat and holidays), and a combined afternoon and evening service that begins just before sundown.

Renowned as a center for Syrian hazzanut (Middle Eastern-style Jewish liturgical singing), Ades is one of only two synagogues in Jerusalem (and perhaps the world) that maintains the ancient tradition of baqashot, a set cycle of kabbalistic poetry sung in the early hours of Shabbat morning during the winter months. Baqashot sessions typically begin at 3 a.m. and are usually densely packed.

The cantors of Ades Synagogue are considered to be Syrian Jewry's most well-learned and talented. In many cases, cantors specifically go to this synagogue to learn maqamot and hazzanut. Throughout the last century, many famous cantors have emerged from Ades.

The prayer services at the Ades synagogue differ only slightly from the services conducted in other Syrian synagogues throughout the world (the Weekly Maqam choices may differ from week to week).

In recent years, Ades has received extensive attention due to a combination of its 100th anniversary, marked in 2001, its unique status and the trend toward an increased interest in pizmonim or religious song. The synagogue is a regular stop for walking tours in Nachlaot as well as the location where many Syrian Jews from around the world go to when visiting Israel for such occasions like a Bar Mitzvah, wedding, or just to attend the Baqashot session. The community preserves the links to its rich history and tradition from generation to generation.

The synagogue has produced DVDs and CDs of the baqashot and other religious music.