Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel (Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue), Recife (must see)
Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue was the first Jewish congregation in the New World. It was established by immigrants from the Netherlands and joined by New Christians who were already living in the colony. There is now a museum on this site of the oldest synagogue site in the Americas.
From 1636 to 1654, the synagogue functioned on the site of the houses no. 197 and 203 Rua do Bom Jesus. It flourished in the mid-17th century when the Dutch briefly controlled this part of northeastern Brazil. The original synagogue building survived until the early 20th century when it was torn down. The site has been confirmed by an archaeological excavation. In 2001 the decision was made to create a Jewish museum in two story house with two shops located on the first floor then standing on the site of the old synagogue. The synagogue served a community of approximately 1,450 Jews. It had a cantor, Josue Velosino, and a rabbi, Isaac Aboab da Fonseca, sent to Recife in 1642.
The museum, built to resemble synagogues built in the 17th and 18th centuries by Jews from Spain and Portugal, opened in 2001. The synagogue is also at the center of a broader cultural renaissance. In November of every year, a Jewish festival offering dance, cinema, and food, from gefilte fish to fluden, attracts around 20,000 visitors.
Why You Should Visit:
To see a beautiful reconstruction of this first synagogue and watch informative videos.
All items shown including the educational part on the first floor are very well presented and you can spend plenty of time taking it all or just enjoying the beautiful historic atmosphere.
Tip:
Start on the top floor for the short movie that tells the history of Jews in Recife.
On the first floor, everything is written both in Portuguese and English, while upstairs it is just English so remember to also ask for an English brochure.
From 1636 to 1654, the synagogue functioned on the site of the houses no. 197 and 203 Rua do Bom Jesus. It flourished in the mid-17th century when the Dutch briefly controlled this part of northeastern Brazil. The original synagogue building survived until the early 20th century when it was torn down. The site has been confirmed by an archaeological excavation. In 2001 the decision was made to create a Jewish museum in two story house with two shops located on the first floor then standing on the site of the old synagogue. The synagogue served a community of approximately 1,450 Jews. It had a cantor, Josue Velosino, and a rabbi, Isaac Aboab da Fonseca, sent to Recife in 1642.
The museum, built to resemble synagogues built in the 17th and 18th centuries by Jews from Spain and Portugal, opened in 2001. The synagogue is also at the center of a broader cultural renaissance. In November of every year, a Jewish festival offering dance, cinema, and food, from gefilte fish to fluden, attracts around 20,000 visitors.
Why You Should Visit:
To see a beautiful reconstruction of this first synagogue and watch informative videos.
All items shown including the educational part on the first floor are very well presented and you can spend plenty of time taking it all or just enjoying the beautiful historic atmosphere.
Tip:
Start on the top floor for the short movie that tells the history of Jews in Recife.
On the first floor, everything is written both in Portuguese and English, while upstairs it is just English so remember to also ask for an English brochure.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel (Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue) on Map
Sight Name: Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel (Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue)
Sight Location: Recife, Brazil (See walking tours in Recife)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Recife, Brazil (See walking tours in Recife)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Recife, Brazil
Create Your Own Walk in Recife
Creating your own self-guided walk in Recife is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Recife Introduction Walking Tour
In addition to the many rivers, bridges and peninsulas making up most of what's unique about Recife, the main city of the Brazilian state Pernambuco is also famous for its historic downtown area originated in the 16th century. Follow this orientation walk and learn about the past and present of this exiting destination!
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles