Bridgetown Synagogue, Bridgetown : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 23 Jun, 2023
- |
Welcome to our guide to the storied history and rich culture of the Bridgetown Synagogue, an institution situated in the lovely coastal city of Bridgetown in Barbados. We’ll be exploring the various exciting facts and stories associated with this synagogue, which is thought to be the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean. We’ll also provide helpful information for visitors looking to explore the Bridgetown synagogue and its surrounding area. We hope you join us as we dive into the fascinating history and culture of the Bridgetown Synagogue!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Bridgetown Synagogue, Bridgetown
1. Bridgetown Synagogue is the third oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
2. It was built in 1793 by Jewish settlers and is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Caribbean.
3. The synagogue is home to one of the oldest functioning Jewish communities in the region today.
4. Bridgetown Synagogue was one of the first buildings in the city to be made a national heritage site in 1964.
5. The exterior of the building remains largely unchanged since its construction, while the interior has undergone changes over the centuries.
6. The original Tebah, or the synagogue’s sacred Ark, which houses Torah scrolls, is still in use today.
7. Bridgetown Synagogue serves a multi-denominational, multi-national congregation including Jews, Christians and Muslims.
8. Every year, the synagogue holds an open house, offering free tours and the opportunity to learn about the spiritual importance of the site.
9. The synagogue’s original founders, Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic Jews, brought with them a unique combination of Jewish cultures and practices which they shared in Bridgetown.
10. In recent years, the synagogue has undergone a major renovation in order to ensure the building is preserved for future generations.
History & Information About Bridgetown Synagogue, Bridgetown
Bridgetown Synagogue is located on the outskirts of the capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown. The first Jews to settle in the Caribbean arrived on the island of Barbados in the 1620s, when it was still under Dutch rule. The first Jewish burial ground on the island was established in 1660 in Bridgetown, and a synagogue was constructed in 1671. The original structure was damaged by a hurricane in 1812, but rebuilt in 1832 and restored in 2003. The building is a two-story wooden structure that is painted white with a distinctive red roof.
The current congregation is an active reform synagogue that provides regular services, educational classes, and other activities. The synagogue also works to preserve and promote the Jewish heritage of Barbados, hosting the annual Caribbean Jewish Congress, which takes place on the island every other year and brings together Jewish people from around the Caribbean and North and South America.
Bridgetown Synagogue is also a tourist destination, with guided tours offered to visitors. Other attractions in the vicinity include a selection of bars and restaurants in the booming St. Lawrence Gap, a shopping mall, and the nearby reggae-infused Oistins Fish Fry.
Travel Guide For Visiting Bridgetown Synagogue, Bridgetown
, Barbados
I. Introduction
Bridgetown Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Caribbean and the 6th oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Located in Bridgetown, Barbados, this synagogue is the only synagogue on the island, making it a must-see destination for visitors and a vital part of Jewish life in Barbados. The synagogue was built in 1654 and has been host to many famous heads of state over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II.
II. Transportation
The easiest way to get to the synagogue is by bus or taxi. There are local bus routes in Bridgetown that will take you to the synagogue, or you can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city. The synagogue is also located close to the cruise ship terminal, so it is easily accessible for those visiting by cruise ship.
III. Where to stay
Bridgetown is a major tourist destination, and there are plenty of places to stay to suit any budget. For those visiting the synagogue specifically, the best option would be to choose a hotel that is walking distance from the synagogue in order to enjoy its nearby attractions.
IV. What to do
When visiting the synagogue, make sure to pause to admire the impressive architecture that dates back more than 350 years. You can also take part in a guided tour of the synagogue and have the chance to learn more about the history and culture of the synagogue. There is also a nearby Jewish museum, which is full of interesting artifacts and information about the local Jewish community.
V. Where to eat
Bridgetown is home to some amazing restaurants and cafes, so be sure to carve out some time in your schedule to enjoy the local cuisine. When visiting the synagogue, there is a restaurant nearby that specializes in kosher food. There are also several restaurants across the city that serve traditional Caribbean dishes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bridgetown Synagogue, Bridgetown
Q: What is the history of Bridgetown Synagogue?
A: Bridgetown Synagogue was founded in 1795, making it the oldest synagogue in Barbados and the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere (after as-Synagoge Mikve Israel-Emanuel in Curaçao). The synagogue was built on the site of an earlier synagogue, originally built in 1654 but destroyed during the 1696 French attack on Barbados.
Q: What is the architectural style of Bridgetown Synagogue?
A: The synagogue is designed in typical Caribbean colonial style, with its exterior walls painted in bright colors and featuring a variety of decorative details. The building is constructed from coral limestone and is topped by a low pitched roof with plain red-tiled eaves.
Q: What services does Bridgetown Synagogue provide?
A: The synagogue is a functioning Orthodox synagogue, providing a variety of services, including an instructional program for children, Shabbat and Holiday services, and a range of lectures and classes for adults.