Maimon's Synagogue and Saladin

The above photograph shows details of wall adornments on the Holy Ark, where the Torah scrolls were kept, at the restoration site of Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon (also known as Moses Maimondes and Rambam) synagogue in the el-Gamaliya area in old Cairo, Egypt; on 20 August 2009.

The structure was built in the late 18th century in honor of Moses Ben Maimon, a philosopher, jurist and physcian born in 1135 in Cordoba, Spain; who died in Cairo on 1204.

It sits on the grounds where his medical clinic once stood and where he reportedly treated Caliph Salaheddine al-Ayyubi ( also know as Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb and Saladin) who fought the crusaders and retook Jerusalem and the surrounding area.

The synagogue's restoration is expected to be complete in June 2010.

Maimon (1135-1204)

Maimon due to his excellent skills as a physician and exceptional reputation led to him becoming Caliph Saladin’s physician.

But Maimon is more known for his numerous writings. His first major work was an Arabic commentary on the Mishna. Maimon’s other writings included a monumental code of Jewish law, called Mishne Torah and a classic “Guide of the Perplexed,” in Arabic; which was said to have called for a more rational approach to Judaism and he further sought to reconcile, science, philosophy and religion.

Maimon is considered the greatest intellectual figure in medieval Judaism.

Saladin (1138-1193)

As to Saladin’s character, while the Christian’s during their conquest had been nothing but marked with slaughter of Jews and Muslims according to historical accounts; Caliph Saladin’s troops demonstrated courteous and civilized behavior, even in battle; which included both Jewish and Muslim troops, along with the countries monarchy.

Even as Saladin had offered generous terms before taking back Jerusalem which where rejected by the Crusaders, Balin of Ibelin instead suggested forms of incentive bribery which was rejected, then threatened to destroy all Jewish and Muslim holy sights within the city, then murder an estimated 5,000 hostages (which was something unheard of during this period); while some claim they where only Muslims, other accounts claimed Jews and Muslim’s among the hostages.

After the siege, Jews and Muslims inhabitants where allowed to retain the city and further historical accounts; the surviving Christian Crusaders where allowed to leave the country, rather man, woman or child and where told to not return, which the Crusaders did not heed.

Saladin is also considered one of the greatest historical figures in Islam.

Maimon Synagogue Restoration

An Egyptian man and woman painstakingly works on the Bimah, the prayer platform from where the Torah is read, during the restoration of the Moses Ben Maimon synagogue in the el-Gamaliya area in old Cairo on 20 August 2009.