Two synagogues, both located on Melidoni Street in Thission, serve the needs of Athens’ thriving Jewish community. The older and smaller of the two is the Romaniote Synagogue at 8 Melidoni Street. Built in 1904, this synagogue operates primarily on major Jewish holidays. Although its official name is Etz Hayyim (tree of life), elders refer to it as the Ioannina Synagogue. Its ground floor houses a school and administrative offices.
The second synagogue, the Sephardic Synagogue at 5 Melidoni Street, was built in 1935 and fully renovated in the 1970s. Officially named Beth Shalom (house of peace), this synagogue supports daily services for the Jewish community. While its Pentelic marble exteriors are neoclassical, its modern interiors do not resemble other, more traditional synagogues. Remnants of the ancient Jewish Synagogue of Athens can be found at the archaeological site of the Ancient Agora.
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