Shalom Corps’ mission is to empower a global Jewish volunteer network involved in meaningful and significant volunteerism that engages participants in Jewish service-learning experiences. We believe that authentic, needs-driven service can have a transformative impact on vulnerable populations around the world, and on young Jews looking to make a difference. Shalom Corps Ltd. is a non-profit organization established by Mosaic United (a collaborative program of the Government of Israel and the Ministry of the Diaspora) and the Jewish Agency for Israel. We’re very excited to have our Local Community Impact Initiative underway. This new model involves 25 local projects, and has allowed volunteers around the world to take part in meaningful service despite the challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Join our movement, move with us!
Archives: Directory listings
Directory listings
The Jewish heritage tour of Greece – October 22nd to 31st, 2023
Combine the rich Jewish history of Greece with Greek culture & beauty, in 10 amazing days!
The Jewish heritage tour of Greece will take place from October 22nd to 31st, 2023.
The tour will visit 11 cities/towns in Greece: Athens, Chalkida, Volos, Pelion (Makrynitsa), Larissa, Trikala, Meteora, Ioannina, Metsovo, Veroia, and Thessaliniki.
I will include 8 beautiful synagogues (in most of the above places) and the most important Jewish monuments in Greece.
It is organized by Atlantis Travel Agency, the oldest travel agency in Greece (since 1948) !
The cost is 1295 EURO per person in a double room, including dinners and happenings!
We will not be travelling on Shabbat! Kosher meals are available upon request.
Deadline for reserving: 1st July 2023.
Please find all the details at: http://atlantistravelgreece.com/tour/jewish-heritage-tour-of-greece/?WJT
Jewish History in Sri Lanka
The earliest records of Jewish presence in Sri Lanka can be traced back to ancient times. According to historical accounts, Jewish merchants and traders from the Middle East, particularly from Yemen and Persia, established trade connections with Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon. These Jewish traders played a significant role in the island’s flourishing spice trade, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
During the medieval period, Jews sought refuge in Sri Lanka as they faced persecution in other parts of the world. This influx of Jewish settlers brought about the establishment of vibrant Jewish communities in prominent coastal towns such as Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee. These communities thrived and contributed to the cultural mosaic of the island.
In the 16th century, during the Portuguese colonial era, the Jewish community faced challenges as the Portuguese implemented restrictive policies on non-Catholic religious practices. However, despite these difficulties, the Jewish community managed to maintain its identity and traditions.
With the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, the situation for the Jewish community improved. The Dutch, known for their tolerance towards different religious groups, allowed the Jewish community to practice their faith freely. This period saw the construction of synagogues, including the iconic Jaffna Synagogue and the Colombo Synagogue. These synagogues served as centers of worship and community gatherings for Jews in Sri Lanka.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Jewish community experienced a decline in numbers as many families emigrated to other countries in search of better economic opportunities. However, a small but resilient Jewish community remains in Sri Lanka today, preserving their unique traditions and customs.
Visitors interested in exploring the Jewish history of Sri Lanka can visit the historic synagogues in Colombo and Jaffna, which provide glimpses into the community’s past. These architectural gems are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish community on the island.
While the Jewish population in Sri Lanka may be small, the historical significance of their presence adds depth to the cultural diversity of the country. Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of different religious and cultural groups throughout its long history.
In 2005, Chabad established a Chabad House in Sri Lanka. The House is now located in Colombo and serves the Jewish expat community, businesspeople, and (of course) Israeli travelers. Its services include a synagogue, mikvah, library, kosher restaurant, and a dormitory.
Find Sri Lanka Kosher Holiday https://elephanttravels.com/sri-lanka-kosher-holidays/
Remark: Unfortunately, I was unable to find specific proof or references regarding the Jaffna Kodesh Synagogue. It is possible that detailed information about this particular synagogue may not be readily available online or in the provided sources. However, the existence of the Jaffna Synagogue is mentioned in various articles and sources discussing the Jewish history of Sri Lanka. The synagogue serves as a significant symbol of the Jewish community’s presence in Jaffna.
White City Shabbat & Friday Night
White City Shabbat is the portal for young community Shabbat life in Tel Aviv. Ensuring that Jewish life is not lost on Israel’s cultural and financial capital, the White City Shabbat team acts as a matchmaker connecting people with Shabbat hospitality each week all over the city. Bringing the concept of fun Shabbat dinner parties to a wider community, the organization also hosts its own private, warm, welcoming, all-inclusive Shabbat meals every month for young adults. White City Shabbat also hosts holiday celebrations and meals, Jewish learning series, and inter-community programming.
The Shabbos Project
Shabbat is the Divine gift we need to thrive in today’s frenzied world. It gives us the opportunity to improve our quality of life; to be happier and more fulfilled as individuals, and to nurture our precious relationships. It gives us the time and space we need to breathe; to strengthen our faith and our family, and find meaning and purpose; to create a home environment that will inspire our children to opt into a Jewish future.
Join the founder of the Shabbat Project, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, on a journey to explore how the practical aspects of the day – what we do and refrain from doing – create an immersive, uniquely enriching experience. Learn how the restrictions paradoxically liberate us, creating a space we fill with meaningful moments. Discover how, amidst the challenges of the 21st century, keeping Shabbat in accordance with its original Divine formula brings us the gifts of joy, meaning and connection.
Kahal Abroad
Get involved with Jewish communities, experiences, and opportunities in your host city!
Meet locals and other Jewish students studying in your study abroad location. Participate in communal events, make connections, and receive tailored travel advice from our staff and partners. We can also connect you with Shabbat dinners with local families, volunteer and internship opportunities, unique Jewish holiday celebrations, and immersive cultural experiences.
Great Synagogue of La Victoire
Welcome to the Great synagogue of Paris. Also known as « La Victoire synagogue », it is the largest synagogue in France, and impresses every visitor by its spectacular dimensions and sheer magnificence. Built in 1874 by the chief architect of the city of Paris, Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe, with the financial support of the Rothschild family, the synagogue provided Parisian jews with a place of worship that reflected the community’s tremendous demographic, economic and cultural development at the end of the 19th century. It can seat over 1,800 people, and since its inception, services have been conducted according to the Ashkenazi-Alsacian tradition.
La Victoire synagogue has been at the center of Parisian Jewish life for over 135 years, during which it has witnessed every twist and turn in the community’s history, including tragic events such as the Dreyfus affair, or the deportations during the Holocaust. After the war, much effort has been made to preserve its religious, artistic and cultural heritage, and today, La Victoire is more than ever at the forefront of Jewish life in France. It serves as a setting for all official ceremonies with members of the government; it is also the official seat of the Chief Rabbi of France, where he is formally introduced.
Shabbat.com
Shabbat.com is a social media platform and a global movement whose mission is to assist Jewish organizations and individuals worldwide with Shabbat hospitality, matchmaking, and employment opportunities free of charge.
Eat With
We are the first global community for shared food experiences, bringing people together around dining tables and food activities wherever they go. Harnessing the relationship between food, people, cities, and the world – we want to spread happiness through the power of sharing food, in your everyday life and travels.
Our mission is to encourage people to engage in meaningful moments – self-reflection, immersion in nature, cultural discovery, celebrations with family and friends – because we believe that connecting to the world is more precious now than ever.
Culinary experiences can be full of magic, joy, laughter, exhilaration, authenticity, and learning. We want you to be amazed by the food you eat, and enriched by the people you eat with!
Shabbat of a Lifetime Program
Experience the Age-Old Tradition of Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat of a Lifetime offers travelers the rare opportunity to join a host family for a traditional Shabbat dinner. The mission behind the organization is to give tourists from all backgrounds the chance to experience the customs, food, and hospitality of a Shabbat dinner.
Over 200 host families across Jerusalem participate in Shabbat of a Lifetime, inviting guests into their homes for a delicious meal. Starting at sunset, guests are welcomed into the house of the host family and the tradition of Shabbat begins. Typically, each dinner will include a total of 12 to 15 people. Traditional Israeli food is served, but accommodations are made depending on guests’ dietary restrictions.
Most guests have never experienced a Shabbat dinner before. Sometimes, guests are already familiar with the customs. However, every family celebrates Shabbat a bit differently, so it can still be a valuable learning experience to see it practiced from another perspective. The value of participating lies in connection and multi-cultural exchange and creating a positive group dynamic through sharing dialogue over a fantastic meal. For curious, open-minded travelers, Shabbat of a Lifetime offers a rare chance to immerse in Jewish culture during their stay in Israel.
