The Karlin-Stolin Hasidic dynasty takes its name from two towns in Lithuania where its founder, Rabbi Aaron ben Jacob (1736-1772), lived. This synagogue was built on the site of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk’s house.
Rabbi Aaron taught that a Jew who does not rejoice in being Jewish is ungrateful to Heaven. His son stressed the value of productive work (as
opposed to prayer and study alone). He taught that a man ‘should not be lazy in any occupation, lest his religious study also be performed in laziness.’
The memorial next to the synagogue honours residents of Tiberias who died in Israel’s wars since 1948.