The Mikve-Israel-Emanuel Synagogues on Curacao is becoming increasingly popular places for destination Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvahs for American Jewish boys and girls and their families.

These are the ceremonies held when a Jewish boy (Bar Mitzva) or girl (Bat Mitzva) is 13 years old, and is a very important rite of passage for them, attended by friends and family.

So, a Bar Mitzva cruise might make for a very special twist to this already special time in a young person's life.

The congregation on Curacao is possiblyl the oldest in the western hemisphere, having been founded in 1732, and the synagogue there has sand floors. There has been a Jewish community on the island since the mid 1600's.


Even if you're not a part of a cruising celebration for a young friend or family member, it sure sounds like taking the time to see this historic synaogue might be well worth whatever effort it takes to find it.

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I believe it is the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere.
I happens to be a Sephardic congregation. (Mediterranean origin)
We visited it when we were in Curacau.
It is an operating synagogue not a tourist stop. As I recall there is a request for no flash pictures and men should have their heads covered when entering the building.

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