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Location: Houston, from LI
Join Date: May 2005
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Jewish siteseeing in the Caribbean
The first place that comes to my mind when thinking about the Caribbean and Judaism is Curacao. Jews that were escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions ended up in Recife Brazil. However, Recife soon became a dangerous place for them as well, so many of them ended up in Curacao with the complete backing of the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch government.
They first founded Mikve Israel (gathering of Israel) synagogue there which is now the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. You can find indepth info at their website at Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Curaçao, N.A. .(Note: the website incorrectly translates the Temple's name, however, it is nonetheless an excellent resource.) The synagogue is an easy walk from the cruise ship piers. It is not far from the main shopping area either.
The temple is now called Mikve Israel-Emmanuel. This is because a second synagogue broke off in the 1800's, called Temple Emmanuel. In 1965, the 2 congregations combined and combined their names as well. The building the 2nd congregation used is now a government building, not open to the public. Howver, the current synagogue is a historical treasure with a museum that is not to be missed.
After I write more about other places in the Caribbean, I will write more about Curacao, because I have not scratched the surface. But if you have questions, please ask. In addition to having been there myself, my friend's brother was a rabbi there for 2 years. |
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