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Shmaryahu Gutman was an Israeli archaeologist who explored the Golan Heights, following its conquest by Israeli forces during the Six Day War. He and his team scoured the mountains in the hopes of discovering Jewish antiquities and mapping out areas of possible significance to the Jewish people. Until this time, there had been no proven Jewish connection to the Golan, and Shmaryahu was afraid that the land might be returned before he had a chance to do so.
During the expedition, Shmaryahu Gutman’s party encountered an old Arab man tending his chickens. Since Gutman was the only person in the group who spoke Arabic fluently, he explained to the man that he needed to cross the new border lines between Israel and Syria. Before the old man left, Gutman asked what the name of the place was. The Arab man replied, “Katzr el Yehud”, which means “Castle of the Jews.”
That’s when he noticed that the man had been sitting on a large, perfectly rectangular headstone of sorts, which seemed to be engraved with carvings. He marked this area as a place of interest and worthy of further examination.
Years later, it was understood that this very stone was the top of a doorway leading into a massive, communal synagogue. It became one of numerous ancient synagogues to be unearthed in the Golan Heights, filling in a missing link to our past. The synagogue was partially reconstructed to acquire a better understanding of its former splendor.
Even in ruins it is an impressive house of prayer. Its tall basalt columns are embellished with tastefully carved sections that crown the top of each pillar. The large, engraved stone entryway is breathtaking and one can imagine how this impressive two-story structure must have looked in its glory, in the foreground of this ancient town.
The ancient stones, infused with centuries of prayer, emanate a holiness that calls on you to continue tradition within these walls. Arouse new life by holding your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah ceremony in the synagogue, using an authentic Torah scroll provided by Katzrin Village.
Hoist the chuppa and get married under the sky, just as our ancestors did.
Ancient stones decorated with white, flowing fabric and freshly cut flowers; musicians and their instruments. Embrace nature, history, tradition, and those you love, to create the most beautiful event imaginable and cherished memories forever.
Please contact us to organize your event.
One of the largest ancient Synagogues in the Golan Heights. Hand crafted towering pillars, stone benches, and the spirit of the ancient villagers makes this prayer place an inviting, inspiring, and comfortable place for your celebrations and events.
One of the largest ancient Synagogues in the Golan Heights. Hand crafted towering pillars, stone benches, and the spirit of the ancient villagers makes this prayer place an inviting, inspiring, and comfortable place for your celebrations and events.
About us
Imagine an ancient village. With houses built of stone, fruit trees laden and simple, beautiful people dressed in colorful costumes walking the cobblestone alleys. At the end of the path surrounded by the scents of hyssop and rosemary stands a man dressed in a long robe, he smiles and laughs at you but he looks a little different. He invites you to enter
Ancient Katzrin Village
Tel. 04-69696350
parkat10@gmail.com
Welcome to Ancient Katzrin . A village that combines great colors with nature, experiences and a variety of activities for all ages. Ancient Katzrin is built around a 1,600-year-old synagogue with olive groves
Imagine an ancient village. With houses built of stone, trees laden with fruit, and simple, beautiful people dressed in colorful costumes walking the cobblestone alleyways. At the end of the path wrapped in the scents of hyssop and rosemary stands a man dressed in a long robe, he smiles and laughs at you but he looks a little different. He invites you to enter.
Welcome to Ancient Katzrin. An ancient village that combines great colors with nature, experiences and a variety of activities for all ages. Katzrin Village
Built around a 1,600-year-old synagogue with olive groves
Contact
Ancient Katzrin Village
Tel. 04-69696350
parkat10@gmail.com