Bet Hillel Synagogue was established in the house of the Palachi family. Rabbi Hayim Palachi (1788-1869) and his son Rabbi Abraham Palachi (1809-1899) are the most prominent theologians of the Jewish community of Izmir in the 19th century. Both are referred to as the greatest men of the period, and their renown went beyond the limits of Izmir and the borders of Turkey, causing the Jewish theologians of Europe and Middle East to come to Izmir for consultation. Rabbi Hayim Palachi wrote a total of 72 books all through his life, and of these, 26 books were published. He was awarded the “Theologian responsible for justice” in 1861 by the Sultan Abdulmecid.
Born in Izmir in 1788, Hayim Palachi, who attended the Jewish School and became theologian at the age of 25. He was nominated a religious judge at the age of 40 and promoted as the Chief Rabbi in 1875 when he was 77 years old. He wrote books which are still studied as textbooks at theological schools all over the world.
Bet Hillel Synagogue is believed to be among the holy places by Hayim Palachi’s students along with the tomb of Rabbi Hayim Palachi and the purification pool (Mikve) in the Gurcesme cemetery which is called the diamond triangle and must be absolutely visited.
The Municipality of Izmir has restored the building which serves as a memorial for Rabbi Palacci. It is located near the Havra (Synagogue) Street at Kemeralti.
