Overview:

Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere in continuous use since its construction in 1833. Located in the captivating capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, this unique landmark is a tranquil oasis in the heart of a bustling city centre. Entering the synagogue is to enter a world of religious beauty, carved mahogany, and coralite stone walls. A tranquil spot, visitors will find an array of rare artifacts, including original antique Torah scrolls, Judaica and monumental sepulchers of early Jewish colonists, set against the backdrop of a Torah cupboard, a Dutch bronze candelabrum and a majestic chandelier. Here visitors can discover a rich tapestry of Jewish history and explore the heritage of one of the earliest Jewish communities in the New World. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Barbados
Prominent Features:

Nidhe Israel Synagogue is anywhere considered to be one of the most prominent attractions in the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown. It is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, built in 1654. It is located in the center of the city surrounded by historical colonial buildings. It is the country's only surviving synagogue and is still in use today for traditional Jewish festivals and religious services. Visitors and tourists are welcome to visit the synagogue any day of the week and it is included in most of the walking tours of the area. The synagogue is made entirely of old stone, and it is a well-maintained example of colonial architecture in Barbados. It includes a dome, ark doors, and two large plaques in a side room honoring those who have served in the synagogue since it first opened. The synagogue is open to the public for tours and for religious purposes. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Barbados.

History:

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados, was founded in 1654 by a group of 23 Jews from nearby Dutch colonies in the Caribbean. The synagogue served as a center of religious and cultural life as well as a place of refuge for Jews who were fleeing persecution in other countries. The synagogue was destroyed in an earthquake in 1831, but was quickly rebuilt and reopened in 1833. The synagogue has been used continuously ever since, even in the face of adversity. During World War II, the Barbadian government granted the synagogue full immunity from any harm and provided the Jews living there with food and shelter. The synagogue is a National Historic Monument today, and is the only surviving synagogue of its era in the Caribbean. The synagogue is an important symbol of Jewish identity in Barbados and of the vibrant Jewish cultural heritage of the Caribbean. It continues to offer services to Jewish residents as well as visitors. The building is kept in impeccable condition and the grounds are landscaped with a variety of tropical plants and shrubs, making it a popular attraction for tourists who visit Bridgetown. Visit one of the famous monuments of Barbados with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Nidhe Israel Synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados is the oldest synagogue in the entire Western Hemisphere, dating back to 1654. 2. The Synagogue was built and rebuilt over the years by Jewish immigrants from the Netherlands, Portugal, France, and Morocco, among other countries. 3. The current synagogue was built in 1826 in the neo-classical style and was embellished with stained glass windows and other ornate decorations. 4. In 1980, UNESCO declared the synagogue a World Heritage Site because of its importance and influence to the history of the Caribbean and the development of the world. 5. The synagogue is still in use today and remains a place of worship for the local Jewish community. Visitors to the synagogue must maintain a respectful attitude as it remains an active place of worship. 6. Within the synagogue, visitors can find the Sephardic Shem Tob Synagogue Museum which houses artifacts from the island’s pre-colonization Jewish community, including a law book from 1654, and an an interactive archive of the museum’s collection. 7. The museum also houses a reading room which contains various texts from the area's rich Jewish history. 8. In 2009, the congregation of Nidhe Israel began holding regular Shabbat services in the synagogue again for the first time in many years. One of the historical monuments of Barbados, it tells the story of a bygone era