The new life of Etz Hayyim Synagogue is in some respects a radicallly different one than it had prior to 1996 when the site was used as a neighborhood trash disposal unit, chicken coop and on occasion kennel and its external wall a backdrop for musicians of a local cafe-bar opposite to it. Its restored life is also different that what it had prior to WW II when it functioned as a traditional community synagogue complete with rabbi, hazzan and shamash.
The Gallery of photographs have been taken over the past two years and are give a fair idea of what its new life is. Hania is an important tourist attraction and very quickly the synagogue has drwan the interest of visitors - Jews and non-Jews alike. As one of the best restored and preserved medieval monuments of the city it bears witness to what was once a vibrant plurality of religious life and the influence of the Venetians on local architecture. It is also a living monument to the destruction of the Jewish Community of Crete during the period of the Shoah. However, it also has a contemporary life that it has been generated through its very restoration and spirit. It is emphatically Jewish, non-sectarian, open to all persons who share our values of respect and tolerance and the willingness to not only share our own Jewish tradition but also share in the traditions of others - be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim or others.

03-04-07 - Pesah 2007
05-06-07 - Memorial 2007
15-12-06 - Chanukah 2006
25-06-07 - Me La Amargates Tu, Concert
Bar Mitzvah - Daniel
Concert 11-01-04
Greek Jewish weekend
House of Sabbatai Sevi - Part 1
House of Sabbatai Sevi - Part 2
Kabbalat Shabat
Lectures on History of Religion
Memorial service 2004
Pesah 2004
Rosh Hashana 2004
Sukkoth 2004
Sukkoth 2006
Tu BeSHVATH 2004
Wedding - Blake and Sari
Wedding - Lazar