Ben Ezra synagogue reopened

CAIRO GENIZA WATCH: Egyptian synagogue once home to famed ‘Cairo Geniza’ completes extensive renovation. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attends ceremony reopening tourist site, following ‘careful architectural restoration work,’ according to Egyptian cabinet (Amy Spiro, Times of Israel).

The Ben Ezra Synagogue is believed to date back to 882 CE — making it by far the oldest synagogue in Cairo — and is named for the prominent scholar Abraham Ibn Ezra.

The building was ordered torn down around 1012 CE, but rebuilt a few decades later. Over the centuries, the synagogue suffered a number of fires and was restored several times.

For background on the Ben Ezra Synagogue and its restoration, see here and links. Follow the links from there (plus here) for much more on the Cairo Geniza.

Pardon my absence last week. I was unwell. Still a bit under the weather, but on the mend now.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.

British auctioneer pleads guilty to coin crimes

APPREHENDED AND ON TRIAL: British auctioneer faces jail for falsely selling rare coins from Palestine (Arab News).

• Richard Beale sold ancient Greek coins found by Gaza fishermen in 2017 despite knowing they were stolen
• Director of auction house Roma Numismatics became the subject of a BBC investigation in 2020

LONDON: A British auctioneer has pleaded guilty to numerous charges relating to the sale of rare ancient coins, including a hoard discovered by Palestinian fishermen, the BBC reported on Sunday.

[...]

Cross-file under Numismatics.

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