Bordering the Northside of Old Town, the Jewish Quarter is one of the most historic places to visit in Prague. The former Jewish Ghetto has been inhabited for over one thousand years, grew to be self-governing, and once made up 25% of Prague’s population. Through re-developing at the turn of the 20th century and the atrocities of WW2 most of the medieval homes and tens of thousands of residents are gone forever but the Jewish Quarter lives on. Among the sights on this tour, you’ll find Europe’s oldest synagogue, collections of priceless artifacts, a timeless cemetery, kosher restaurants, plenty of history, and insight into local Jewish culture. We hope you enjoy our Prague Jewish Quarter Walking Tour!
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Exploring the Rich Heritage: Jewish Tours in Morocco – Unraveling the Jewish Culture, Synagogues, and Historic Sites
Are you a Jewish traveler seeking to immerse yourself in the captivating heritage of Morocco? Look no further! Morocco offers a treasure trove of experiences for those interested in Jewish culture, history, and spirituality. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we unveil the best places to visit and the finest Jewish heritage tours in Morocco.
Discovering Jewish Culture in Morocco:
Morocco boasts a diverse and thriving Jewish culture that spans centuries. Jewish communities have flourished here for millennia, resulting in a unique blend of Moroccan and Jewish traditions. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene coastal town of Essaouira, every corner of this enchanting country has stories to tell.
Heritage Jewish Tours in Morocco:
Embarking on a heritage Jewish tour in Morocco is like stepping into a living history book. Expert guides will take you through ancient alleys to explore the well-preserved Jewish quarters, also known as Mellahs, in cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca. Visiting these Mellahs allows you to witness the harmonious coexistence of Jewish and Muslim communities throughout the centuries.
Synagogues and Historic Sites:
Morocco is home to a plethora of magnificent synagogues that stand as enduring symbols of Jewish faith and culture. The awe-inspiring Ibn Danan Synagogue in Fes, with its intricate architecture, and the Beth El Synagogue in Casablanca, one of the largest synagogues globally, are must-visit destinations for any Jewish traveler.
Cemetery Jewish Heritage in Morocco:
A visit to the Jewish cemeteries in Morocco offers a profound and moving experience. Witness the tombstones that carry the stories of generations of Jewish families who found their final resting place in this land. The Jewish Cemetery in Marrakech, for example, is a serene and sacred site, exuding a sense of history and spirituality.
Morocco’s Cultural Treasures for Jewish Travelers:
Beyond the religious landmarks, Morocco offers a plethora of cultural experiences for Jewish travelers. Savor the delectable Moroccan Jewish cuisine, which features mouthwatering dishes like tagine and couscous, infused with unique Jewish flavors. Engage with the local community and partake in Jewish festivals, such as Hanukkah and Passover, to truly immerse yourself in the customs and traditions.
A Synthesis of the Past and Present:
In modern-day Morocco, Jewish heritage continues to thrive, and the local communities are warm and welcoming to travelers from all backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey, historical insights, or simply a delightful adventure, a Jewish tour in Morocco promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience.
As you plan your visit to Morocco, keep in mind the preservation of cultural heritage is of utmost importance. Treat the synagogues and historic sites with respect, and engage with the local community with an open heart. Morocco’s Jewish heritage awaits your discovery, and we look forward to welcoming you to this land of enchantment and diversity.
So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey filled with wonder, as you uncover the magic of Jewish culture in Morocco – a tapestry of tradition, spirituality, and enduring history.
6 Iconic Israeli Summer Festivals You Can’t Miss in August | Shayna Michael
Jerusalem Food Truck Festival
July 4 – Aug 28, 2023
Kicking off the summer festivities, the food festival brings us top chefs from the leading restaurants across the city cooking and serving their mouth-watering dishes in food trucks every evening at Ben Hinnom Valley Park. Nothing beats a festive culinary atmosphere with live music led by leading bands and DJs. The venue is accessible and all of the food is kosher. Head over to the festival’s page for more information.
Tel Aviv Dance Festival at the Suzanne Dellal Center
July 18-Aug 3, 2023
This festival is a vibrant celebration of contemporary dance. Captivating performances offer a fusion of creativity, innovation, and talent. As dancers take to the stage in the state-of-the-art facilities of the Suzanne Dellal Center, the festival becomes a melting pot of cultures and artistry, reflecting Tel Aviv’s position as a global hub for artistic brilliance. Don’t forget to book your tickets online in advance! Find out more.
Jerusalem Wine Festival
July 31 – August 2nd, 2023
An intoxicating celebration of Israel’s rich wine culture, this annual event is held in the historical old city and gathers wine enthusiasts to sample an impressive selection of locally produced wines. The festival offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. You can savor the finest vintages while immersing yourself in Jerusalem’s magical atmosphere. Check out the event.
Karmiel Dance Festival
August 1- 3, 2023
This event attracts dancers and performers from all over the world, offering a mesmerizing array of traditional and contemporary dance styles. Set in the scenic beauty of Karmiel, the festival’s stages come alive with captivating performances, celebrating the artistry of diverse dance traditions. Whether you are a dance enthusiast or just seeking an immersive cultural experience, the Karmiel Dance Festival is an unforgettable journey through the rhythms of the global dance community. Read more.
Hutzot Hayotzer (Artists’ Colony) Festival
August 7 – 19th, 2023
Held at the Sultan’s Pool near the ancient walls of the Old City, this Jerusalem favorite offers a colorful array of visual arts, crafts, local cuisine and live performances that captivate visitors from all walks of life. With over 150 artists participating, you can explore a diverse range of exquisite handmade works, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and sculptures and end the night with a live concert! Click for more.
Safed Klezmer Festival
August 22 – 24, 2023
To wrap up your eventful August, head up north for a lively and soul-stirring celebration of traditional Jewish music and culture. In the charming hilltop city known for its spiritual significance, the air comes alive with the enchanting melodies of klezmer music, echoing through the narrow streets and mystical alleyways. The Safed Klezmer Festival stands as a testament to the enduring heritage of Jewish music and its ability to unite people in a celebration of tradition, history, and harmony. For more on this festival.
We hope you enjoyed our guide for Israel’s summer festivals in 2023. We’ll see you this summer!
German Jewish Route
The area between the Harz Mountains, the Heath and the Weser belonged to the ancestral land of the Guelphs, one of the oldest European noble houses, but fell apart into many fragmented lineages and principalities. One of them had its seat in Hanover and thanks to the financial and logistical support of the Jewish court banker Leffmann Behrens, it became an electorate in 1692.
Palaces, Villas and Country Houses
All over Europe, palaces, villas and country houses with Jewish stories illuminate the transformative impact of Jewish emancipation on modern European politics, society and culture. Many have extraordinary art collections and gardens. Some were stages for lavish entertaining, others provided inspiration to the European avant garde. All were beloved homes that bear witness to the triumphs – and tragedy – of the Jewish past.
Explicit traces of Jewishness are rare in these grand properties, which often seem much like the manor houses of the landed aristocracy or the rural retreats of other nouveaux riches. Yet the Jewish stories these houses tell reveal a fundamentally different set of historical experiences and personal connections. Discover some of the most spectacular, intriguing and beautiful…
Jewish Heritage in Romania
Our routes cover the northern regions of Romania. These areas were mostly occupied by almost 300,000 Jews from a total close to one million prior to WW II. Jews settled in Romania as early as 14 centuries mainly via the Ottoman Empire, former Galicia and Austria – Hungarian Empire.
The northern Transylvanian Jews were deported during spring 1944 to Auschwitz; the Bukovina Jews were deported during fall 1941 to Transnistria (today Ukraine). Tarbut services are devoted to the descendants of Auschwitz & Transnistria survivors and for people that their families immigrated to USA between the wars or even earlier.
The uniqueness of our “Family Roots Journeys” is the fact that the traveler is designing their itinerary as per Family Roots locations. There is always the synagogue, cemetery, home address, school, city hall, maybe neighbors and anything else the members family knows about their members. Tarbut provides genealogical services, while meeting local artists and enjoying the traditional food and drinks.
Southern Jewish Heritage Tour
The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) works as a trip consultant, allowing you to play an active role in planning your own experience. Based on initial conversations about the focus and interests of your group, we will use our network in the region to create a custom Southern Jewish Heritage itinerary.
Routes of Jewish Heritage in France
France has the largest Jewish community in Europe. This presence began at the time of the Romans, 2000 years ago. A very rich Jewish life developed throughout the Middle Ages (5th to 14th century) and the intellectual influence of this medieval community went beyond the Jewish world alone. But the successive expulsions by the kings of France (final expulsion in 1394) gradually rejected the Jews beyond the borders of the kingdom. Then territorial conquests and peace treaties brought these communities back into today’s France.
The French Revolution of 1789 granted Jews citizenship and equal rights, a long-envied example in Europe. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Human Rights France attracted a considerable number of Jews from endangered communities in Europe, North Africa (former French colonies) and the Middle East. The Routes of Jewish Heritage in France illustrate both the diversity of the different components of the French Jewish community and the history of its integration in the French nation.
Jewish Belarus
A Jewish heritage route through Belarus is a much-needed initiative in its early development stages. It is a community capacity building initiative of The Together Plan to support revival of Jewish community life, wider civil society and attract interest from outside of Belarus.
Jewish Azerbaijan
Jewish heritage in Azerbaijan is represented by several monuments in Baku, Quba, Oghuz, Ismayilli, and other parts of Azerbaijan. Many ruins of ancient synagogues have been found in different parts of the country.
Jews have lived in Azerbaijan for centuries, but their arrival in Baku dates to the 1830s. Later, the community grew rapidly during the Oil Boom, which enticed diverse people to the city in search of work and wealth.
Currently, there are six synagogues in Azerbaijan: two in Baku, two in Quba, and two in Oghuz. A new Jewish synagogue, which became one of the biggest synagogues in Europe opened in Baku on March 9, 2003. The main Jewish heritage sites that operate to date in Azerbaijan are the following: Synagogue of Ashkenazi Jews, Synagogue of Mountain Jews, “Alti Gumbaz” Synagogue Gilaki Synagogue, “Ashagi Mahalla” Synagogue, “Yukhari Mahalla” Synagogue, The Museum of Mountain Jews.
