The Makarav synagogue was established in the 1800s by Hassidic Jews who immigrated from the Ukraine. They established a synagogue and a house of study in Tzfat for their community’s needs. That synagogue continues to serve as a vibrant House of Prayer today.

History The Makarav Hassidim are descendents from Rebbe Menachem Nochum Twersky, a scion of the Chernobyl Hassidic dynasty. The sect comes from the town of Makariv in the Ukraine. During the Hassidic immigration to Israel in the late 1700s and early 1800s the Makarov community moved to Tzfat and established a synagogue in the northern section of the Old City, on Bar Yochai Street.;Schedule The Makarav synagogue is only open on the Sabbath. Friday night prayers include Carlebach “niggunim” -- tunes -- as well as those of the well-known Makarav Hassidic masters. An early Rebbe of the Makarav Hassidic family was, himself, a gifted composer and the Makarav services include many of his compositions.;Congregants The synagogue attracts congregants from some of the local seminaries, both yeshivas for boys and schools for girls, as well as visitors, including groups from visiting yeshivas and seminaries. The synagogue is operated by the administration of the nearby Chernobyl Synagogue / Shalom Rav Yeshivah. The main room holds approximately 60 while the women’s galley upstairs can accommodate another 20 to 30 women.;