שלום, אני מורת דרך. רוצה לתאם הגעה עם קבוצת גמלאים וכבר שבוע שאין מענה בטלפון. כיצד ניתן להשיג את ציון ?

Hello. I am writing an article about the remarkable Or Torah Synagogue for a magazine of the Jewish community in Cambridge, England, which I edit. I visited the synagogue recently, and have in front of me the book which tells its story, but some questions remain in my mind. 1) Philip H says Zion Baâdache, who founded the synagogue, did all the mosaic work himself. I have read varying accounts of the mosaics - including that they were brought over from Tunisia, and/or that they were made (or at least the stones came from) Kibbutz Eilon, that they came from all over Israel, and/or that they came from all over the world. These can't all be true. How were the mosaics actually made and by whom, using what stones and from where? Did Zion choose all the motifs (Biblical, natural world, etc.) himself, or did he consult with anyone else? Did he have a workshop? Or did he take finished stones and install them directly on the walls, floors, etc. of the synagogue? 2) The book states that Zion B is still very much alive. But Philip H says that he died in 2015. If that is the case, then the book is very out of date, but I haven't actually been able to find a date for it at all. Can you please confirm (or not) that Zion B died in 2015. 3) I have read that there are 1.5 millions of stones in the mosaics, and also that there are hundreds of millions. Which is correct (or is there some other figure)? Does anyone know how many mosaics there are? 4) In the book it says that Zion served on the 'local religious council'. But he is also listed as an official (Treasurer?) of the synagogue. Are these different ways of saying the same thing, or was he both? Thank you for your informed response(s). E. Simmons

I see that my question "Do you need to schedule in advance?" was asked back in 2015. I was wondering if those who have visited recently could let me know if I need to schedule an appointment or are there certain opening hours? Their website still shows that you must call in advance. Thank you

Do you need to schedule your visit in advance? It says so on another website, but no one has answered the phone.