Hechal Yehuda Synagogue 🇮🇱

Located on Menahem ben Saruq street in the city centre of Tel Aviv, Israel, Hechal Yehuda Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish congregation with a truly captivating design. Often called the Recanati synagogue or the Seashell Synagogue, this striking place of worship stands out among the city's roughly 500 synagogues due to its unusual shape inspired by the seashells found along the shores of Thessaloniki, Greece. Built in memory of Thessaloniki's Jewish community that was nearly destroyed during the Holocaust, it is named in honor of Yehuda Leon Recanati, whose family funded its construction.

Completed in 1980, the two-story building accommodates up to 600 worshippers—400 men and 200 women in separated galleries—and serves a congregation largely comprised of Greek-Sephardi Jews. As you explore the exterior and interior, you will see a bare concrete northern facade adorned with bas-reliefs depicting traditional Jewish motifs by artist Yechezkel Kimchi. You can also admire colorful stained-glass windows designed by local artist Josef Shealtiel that showcase themes from Jewish holidays.

Beyond its artistic elements, the unique shell-like structure creates an open internal space designed to ensure every visitor can easily see and hear the service from any seat.

What to see at Hechal Yehuda Synagogue

• Unusual architecture inspired by the seashells of Thessaloniki, Greece
• North concrete facade decorated with bas-reliefs by Yechezkel Kimchi
• Stained-glass windows showcasing Jewish holiday motifs by Josef Shealtiel
• Built in memory of the Holocaust-destroyed Jewish community of Thessaloniki
• Spacious interior built to seat 600 worshippers across two floors

Visiting tips

Take time to admire the northern exterior facade's intricate bas-reliefs before stepping inside to view the vibrant stained-glass windows.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Hechal Yehuda Synagogue is easy to reach on Tel Aviv’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot and Habima Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tel Aviv travel guide.