Overview:

The Barbados Jewish Synagogue, Bridgetown, was founded in 1833 and is the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean still in existence. Located in St. Michael’s Parish, Bridgetown, it was built by the Sephardim Jews who established the thriving Barbadian Jewish community. The synagogue has undergone various renovations throughout the centuries, and today it remains a historical landmark and important religious site for the country. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past, as it contains many of the original artifacts such as ancient scrolls, prayer books, and gold-plated objects. Today, the synagogue offers a range of services, including Shabbat and holiday services, special lectures, youth activities, adult education, and more. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

, there is one synagogue, located in the city of Bridgetown. It is the Shaare Shalom Synagogue, which is the only active synagogue in the country. Built in 1654, this synagogue was destroyed in a fire in the 18th century. It was rebuilt and is now one of the oldest synagogues in the Caribbean. This synagogue is closely associated with the long history of the Jewish settlement in Barbados. The synagogue is a National Monument in the country and is open to visitors. It serves as a place of prayer, community center, religious and cultural education, and social meeting place. The building is marked by beautiful stonework in its walls and ceiling and has stained glass windows imported from England. The synagogue is overseen by a community board and is led by a Rabbi, who is appointed by the board. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

, synagogue is one of the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean, originally built around 1654, and was one of the oldest in continuous use in the world. The original synagogue located on Synagogues Street in the heart of the Barbados capital of Bridgetown, was destroyed in a fire in 1831. In the aftermath of the fire, a project was launched to rebuild the synagogue. Queen Victoria approved the new funding and provided a 20-year lease to the community in 1832. The synagogue was rebuilt and consecrated in a ceremony in 1833, making it the oldest synagogue in continuous operation in the Americas and one of the oldest in the world. In 1903, the Barbados government purchased the buildings of the synagogue, in order to ensure their preservation. Since then, the Barbados Jewish Synagogue has been designated a national treasure and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The building still contains the original wooden scrolls and sacred objects. In 2011, the Barbados Jewish Synagogue was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, in recognition of its extraordinary history, importance to the Barbados Jewish community, and its ongoing status as a national treasure. The synagogue continues to be a place of worship and a popular tourist destination. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

, there is an active Jewish synagogue in Bridgetown. The congregation of Bridgetown was founded in 1654, making it the oldest congregation in the Caribbean. There are about 250 to 300 Jewish people living in Barbados today. The congregation is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere and was originally built without the characteristic slanted roof or columns. It has undergone some recent renovations, including a redecorated synagogue, a new gathering space, and a restored historic cemetery. The synagogue is famous for its use of mixed materials and its “Portico of David,” where the King of Israel is printed over two pillars. The synagogue offers Jewish services for all ages, including youth programs and adult education. It is also a popular tourist destination for its historic significance. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era