Justo Sierra Synagogue

Welcome to Justo Sierra Street, located in the bustling historic center of Mexico City. If you were not specifically looking for the building at number 71, you would likely walk right past it without a second glance. …

Before we proceed into the sanctuary, let us stand before the outer facade facing the street. Run your hand along the rough, textured surface of the wall. …

Having walked down the entrance corridor, we now find ourselves in the inner courtyard, standing before the true facade of the synagogue. The architectural contrast between the street facing wall we just left and the building…

Before ascending to the main sanctuary, we enter a large, open room on the ground floor. This is the Salón de Fiestas, the banquet hall, which served as the beating social heart of the community. …

We now ascend the stairs and cross the threshold into the main sanctuary. The moment you enter, the breath is drawn from your lungs. …

From the Bimah, direct your gaze to the front of the sanctuary, toward the eastern wall. Dominating the space is the magnificent Aron Kodesh, the Holy Ark, which houses the sacred Torah scrolls. …

Before we leave the sanctuary, walk toward the staircase and make your way up to the second floor. This upper level is the women's gallery, an architectural feature traditional to orthodox synagogues, where women and children…

We have reached the end of our journey through the Justo Sierra Synagogue. Let us return to the quiet inner courtyard before stepping back out into the bustling city. …