Synagogue Inauguration

The Etz Hayyim Synagogue of Larissa Opens Its Doors Once Again
By Alina Moissis – Director of the Jewish Community of Larissa

Today marks a special moment in the modern history of the Jewish Community of Larissa, as we movingly rededicate the Ets Hayim Synagogue to the worship of God, the local culture, and the history of Greek Jewry.” This opening sentence from the speech delivered by the President of the Jewish Community of Larissa, Moses Manouach, perfectly captured the profound significance of this sacred space and the deep symbolism of its reopening.

The Synagogue of Larissa, bearing the imposing name Ets Hayim (Tree of Life), was built in 1866. Heavily scarred by time and decay, it was handed over to a team of expert scientists at the end of 2019 to address the severe structural issues threatening its stability.

For 150 years, it had stood proud, housing the joys and sorrows of the Jews of Larissa. It was their place of prayer, but more importantly, their gathering place and the core of their social cohesion. The Community members, known for their traditional unity and deep religious sentiment, loved their unique Synagogue like a second home. Generation after generation of Larissan Jews initiated and renewed countless cycles of devotion and intimacy within its walls.

This is why its absence was so deeply felt by the Jewish Community of Larissa. It is why three successive administrations, alongside an “army” of volunteers, worked passionately to secure funding and complete its restoration. And it is why its members summoned every ounce of ingenuity, endurance, and patience, managing to keep the religious and cultural life of the Community alive until the day their Synagogue—now safe and more beautiful than ever—would welcome them back.

A Triumphant Return

Friday, June 13, 2025, 9:00 PM… Ets Hayim, brilliantly illuminated and majestic in its simplicity, reopens its doors for the first Kabbalat Shabbat after five and a half years of silence. The Rabbi and the Board members, like hosts welcoming family and friends to their “home,” shake hands with Community members and guests who traveled from afar—from every city in Greece, Israel, America, and England—to celebrate this milestone in the history of their hometown Community. Wide-open eyes, gasps of admiration, warm embraces, tear-filled eyes… A space so familiar and welcoming vibrates with joy and emotion. Then, everyone’s voices unite in familiar, beloved chants, and the Synagogue, as if possessing a soul of its own, experiences an unforgettable moment!

The laughter, hugs, and conversations continued late into the evening at the reception held in the courtyard, bringing together families and old friends who had so much to share and remember.

The Synagogue was full once again on Saturday morning, with men taking turns at the Tevah in front of the open Sefer, while the traditional, melodic Larissan Koanout sent shivers of emotion through the congregation, who had been eagerly waiting to hear it.

That same evening, the extended family of the Community gathered once more at a venue in Larissa. Photographs from various holidays and events at the Synagogue flashed on a screen, with guests movingly recognizing themselves or their loved ones. A wonderful short film created by Fania Magrizou, with the kind support of Mr. Mikis Modiano, documenting the reopening of the Synagogue, was also screened, setting the tone for the evening.

Today, we were invited here… by our Synagogue!” said President Moses Manouach. “And we responded to its call to celebrate the faith, endurance, and unity that keep our Community alive and strong.”

The President then emphasized that the reconstruction of the Synagogue was a collective effort. He proceeded to name and invite to his side all the individuals who worked with true dedication, both on the project itself and on organizing the three-day opening celebrations. A warm round of applause from all attendees was the fitting, unique reward for these genuine volunteers.

The evening flowed with smiles and joy, though somewhat subdued; just the day before, clashes between Israel and Iran had begun, inevitably turning everyone’s anxiety toward the long-suffering region of our spiritual homeland.

The Official Inauguration Ceremony

Sunday, June 15, was the grand day of the official inauguration ceremony of Ets Hayim.
The circumstances were difficult: news of the war dominated the headlines, solidarity rallies for Gaza were scheduled across the country—taking the form of protests especially in Larissa—and last-minute cancellations occurred. The Community’s leadership had to navigate a highly negative climate and make difficult decisions. With the assistance of the Police, who implemented draconian security measures, out of respect for those who had traveled from afar, and above all, with unwavering faith in the sacred purpose of the Synagogue’s inauguration, the event took place exactly as planned, vindicating the Community and all participants.

The entirety of Greek Jewry was present at this momentous event. The President of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS), Presidents and representatives of all Greek Jewish Communities, the Rabbis of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as many members of other Communities were there, sending a resounding message about the cohesion of the Jewish people, especially in challenging times like these. Also in attendance were representatives of the city’s Authorities, the Metropolitan Bishop, Members of Parliament, the current and former Regional Governors, the Mayor, and representatives from local government, education, and various associations.

The presence of the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, was highly honorable and symbolic. With pride, she cut the ribbon at the entrance of the temple alongside the project’s largest sponsor, the Regional Governor of Thessaly, Mr. Dimitris Kouretas.

This was followed by the affixing of the Mezuzah by the Community Presidents who oversaw the Synagogue’s restoration: the current President, Moses Manouach; the former President, Elias Kampelis; and the late Morris Magrizos, honorably represented by his son, Nino Magrizos.

The religious ceremony that followed will remain in everyone’s memory for the profound devotion and emotion it evoked. Standing on the Tevah were Rabbi Elias Sabetai, Minos Albelansis, Nino Magrizos, and David Magrizos—representing four generations of the religious personnel of the Larissan Community—alongside Rabbi Isaac Mizan, also a native of Larissa, in a touching “return” to the Synagogue where his journey began. With their commanding voices, they led the prayers and blessings. Standout moments included the blowing of the Shofar, the opening of the Ehal by the Secretary General of KIS, Victor Eliezer, and the procession of the Sefarim by the Community Presidents of Athens (Albertos Taraboulous), Trikala (Iakovos Venouziou), and Chalkida (Makis Maisis), as all the faithful leaned in to kiss them and joined in the chanting.

The first part of the event concluded with a speech by Rabbi Sabetai, who spoke about the sacred institution of the Synagogue in Judaism, the value of prayer as a timeless song of gratitude to the Almighty, and the profound contributions of Jewish and Greek thought. He concluded with blessings for the Synagogue and all who cross its threshold.

As a vibrant piece of the Sephardic tradition of the Larissa Community, reborn alongside the Synagogue, the song “Debajo el kiupri de Larisa”—a traditional cantica in Ladino—followed. It was uniquely performed by young Errika Albala, accompanied on the piano by the Community’s Hebrew teacher, Victor Moissis, drawing enthusiastic applause from the moved audience.

Speeches and Honors

Next came the speeches, starting with Community President Mr. Moses Manouach, who emphasized that the Synagogue has always been the steadfast, unshakable bond to what we are: Greeks, Jews, and Larissans! He described the complex, long-term restoration project, congratulating the engineers who brought it to fruition and expressing immense gratitude to those who supported it financially—both institutions and organizations, as well as hundreds of individual donors.

Five and a half years ago, the restoration of the Ets Hayim Synagogue seemed like a dream,” the President noted. “Today, it is a reality through which we honor our past, celebrate the unity, collaboration, and faith that brought about this result, and make a promise for a future where our values will continue to be passed down to the next generations.”

He was followed at the podium by the Minister of Education, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, who delivered a powerful speech. “Today we are inaugurating the renovated synagogue of Larissa,” the Minister highlighted, “a sacred place destined for the worship of God. In doing so, we are applying in the best possible way Article 13 of our Constitution, which entrusts the Greek State with the responsibility to protect and guarantee the religious freedom of all. And this is precisely the political message of our presence here today. Greek Jews, like all Greeks, practice their religion freely under the protection and guarantee of the Constitution and the law,” Ms. Zacharaki concluded to a standing ovation.

Following this, the Community Director, Alina Moissis, who flawlessly coordinated the entire event, called the 10 Benefactors to the podium. Members of the Community leadership presented them with honorary plaques as a token of deep appreciation for their decisive contribution to completing the project.

The Benefactors successively took the podium, sharing words of respect for the cause they supported:
The Regional Governor of Thessaly, Mr. Dimitris Kouretas
The Consul General of Germany, Ms. Monika Frank
The President of KIS and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, Mr. David Saltiel
Mr. Aaron Venouziou, a Larissan living in Chicago (the sole individual among the Benefactors)
The President of the Jewish Community of Rhodes, Ms. Claudia Restis
Ms. Esther Fis and Ms. Carolina Reitan, representing WIZO Larissa
The President of the Jewish Community of Volos, Mr. Marcel Solomon

The organizations Association of Friends of Greek Jewry – Kehila Kedosha Janina from New York and the Salonica & Greece Jewry Heritage Center from Israel were also Benefactors of the project. As they could not attend in person, their heartfelt messages were read aloud.

Aspecial honor was also reserved for the Secretary General of Religious Affairs, Mr. Giorgos Kalantzis, on the occasion of his presence at the event. He was presented with a plaque by President Manouach as a sign of gratitude for his unwavering support of the Jewish Community of Larissa’s objectives.

Abrief greeting by the Mayor of Larissa, Mr. Thanasis Mamakos, followed, while the Metropolitan Bishop of Larissa Ieronymos, was the last to address the crowd. With his warm and inspired words, he proved once again the deep mutual respect that characterizes the relationship between the Orthodox Church and the Jewish Community.

Wishing joy and peace in all languages, the event’s coordinator, Ms. Moissis, passed the baton to the choir of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, which performed two symbolic Hebrew songs: Ose Shalom and Hava Nagila. From the area of the Synagogue’s old women’s gallery, which was reopened to soon host a small museum, these two beloved odes to joy and peace echoed through the space. They merged with the voices of all present, concluding this truly momentous day with hope and upliftment.