Located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, the existing structure of the Menarsha or Mansha Synagogue dates back to the second half of the 19th century during the Ottoman Period.

Due to the dwindling numbers of the Syrian Jewish community that still lives in Damascus, this synagogue together with the Racqy Synagogue next door do not hold regular religious services anymore.

It is worth pointing out that the oldest synagogue in Damascus is actually situated in a town called Jobar that lies just outside the city.

Sadly, Jobar Synagogue was looted and left badly damaged when armed groups took control of the town in 2014. Its priceless artefacts, many of which date back to the 8th century BC, were smuggled out of the country.