Beit Knesset Mercaz Afridar/Central Synagogue of Afridar
Location: Yehezkel Zonabend St 2, Ashkelon
The building was dedicated in 1959 with support of the South African Jewish community. It was recently renovated and is wheelchair accessible. It is an Ashkenaz Orthodox shul. The nusach is Sefard (not Sefardi). The congregation is among the largest in Ashkelon. The grounds are fenced in and children play in the courtyard outside the shul or in the large park (the magnificent Desha Hagadol). The shul is located in Afridar, about a six-minute walk from HaShayetet/HaTayasim streets and about 12 minutes from Modiin St.
The Central Synagogue of Afridar has a mix of Hebrew speakers (many of them fluent in English) and Anglo expats. It is a popular choice for English speakers from the US, Canada, South Africa and the UK.
There is a rabbi in the shul who is well-respected in the community and is accessible to discuss halachic questions in English. The shul has two Shacharit minyanim daily. It is well-known as a community shul and hosts large bar mitzvah and aufruf ceremonies.
