The journey commenced with an exceptional flight on Royal Air Maroc, offering outstanding amenities, top-tier entertainment, and excellent food and beverage service.
Upon arriving in Casablanca, a warm welcome awaited at the elegant Hotel Sofitel Tour Blanche, complete with Moroccan mint tea and cookies. A painting of Humphrey Bogart from Casablanca added a nostalgic touch, despite the fact that the iconic film, set in Casablanca, was actually shot in California and is now celebrating its 75th anniversary. The rooms at the Sofitel reflected modern sophistication, serving as a serene haven with breathtaking nighttime views of the port and Hassan II Mosque. The staff’s exceptional service, characterized by warmth and friendliness, ensured a memorable stay by fulfilling every request with genuine smiles.
Morocco’s Jewish Heritage: A Tapestry of History and Preservation
Morocco is renowned for its rich tapestry of Jewish heritage sites, which hold substantial historical significance and draw visitors from around the globe. These sites encompass synagogues, cemeteries, and Mellah, all meticulously maintained within the historic Jewish quarters of the medinas. Many of these heritage sites are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites or are safeguarded by the Moroccan monarchy and government. Continuous efforts are made to renovate and preserve these sites, ensuring that Morocco’s Jewish heritage remains celebrated and remembered.
Museum of Moroccan Judaism: A Unique Cultural Landmark
Casablanca is home to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, one of the few Jewish museums in the Muslim world. Established in 1997 by the Jewish Community of Casablanca with support from the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Jewish history and ethnography. Spanning 700 square meters, it is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world and is situated in a former orphanage.
The museum features a well-preserved collection of ceremonial artifacts and historical items that illustrate Jewish traditions and daily life. It includes a large multipurpose room for art exhibitions, displaying paintings, photography, and sculptures. Additionally, three rooms are dedicated to religious and family life, showcasing oil lamps, Torah scrolls, Chanukah lamps, traditional clothing, marriage contracts (Ketubot), and Torah covers. Two more rooms are devoted to recreating Moroccan synagogues, and the museum also offers valuable resources such as a document library, a video library, and a photo library.
Located alongside the Yeshiva, where Jewish students from across Morocco studied until the 1970s, the museum’s curator, Ms. Zhor Rehihil, provides insights into Moroccan Jewish life and the community’s history.
Synagogue Beth-El: A Beacon of Jewish Heritage in Casablanca
Synagogue Beth-El is a significant and historically rich religious institution. It holds a special place in the heart of the Moroccan Jewish community and stands as an important symbol of the country’s cultural diversity.
This magnificent synagogue is renowned for its stunning architecture and traditional Sephardic design. A standout feature is its remarkable stained-glass windows, which adorn the interior with vibrant colors and patterns, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the space. These windows not only showcase the artistry of the synagogue but also attract tourists who appreciate its beauty.
Synagogue Beth-El is a testament to the enduring presence of Jewish heritage in Morocco. It functions as a place of worship and a community center, serving as a living reminder of the rich history of Jews in the region.
Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca’s Architectural Masterpiece
Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural marvel designed by French architect Michel Pinseau. It is the only mosque in the city open to non-Muslim visitors. Located on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque features a vast glass floor that offers views of the ocean and accommodates 25,000 worshippers. An additional 80,000 can be hosted in the mosque’s expansive courtyard. Its minaret, standing at 210 meters, is the tallest in the world.
The mosque is celebrated for its fantastic architecture and art. The construction, which took six years and involved 12,500 workers on 24-hour shifts, cost an estimated $800 million. The façade showcases Moroccan craftsmanship in woodwork and stone, making it a stunning example of traditional art. As the third-largest religious building in the world, the Hassan II Mosque is a monumental architectural achievement. Visitors can tour its famous minaret, dome, and royal marble doors. At night, the mosque dominates the skyline, glowing majestically as the “Gorgeous Mosque on the Sea.”
Rabat, Morocco’s capital and one of its four imperial cities, seamlessly blends rich historical heritage with modern amenities in a serene environment. The city features wide sidewalks, quaint taxis, and a modern tram system, giving it a European flair complemented by street cafés and a variety of dining options. Named a top travel destination by CNN in 2013 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rabat boasts significant landmarks such as the historic Hassan Tower and the King Mohammed V Mausoleum, guarded by royal sentinels in striking scarlet uniforms.
The Royal Palace, built in 1864, is the primary residence of the Moroccan royal family and houses the Royal Guard. Its grounds include the College Royal, a school for senior royals, a culinary school, and a library with manuscripts of SM Hassan II. The palace is encircled by gardens that blend French and Arabic design elements. Although the interior is not open to the public, visitors can photograph the royal guards from the square in front, where official city parades are also held.
For more information, visit:
To plan a trip to Morocco, contact the Moroccan National Office of Tourism or log on to http://www.visitmorocco.com/en.
For more information on Moroccan tourism infused with the Jewish Heritage Experience, contact:
Fly Royal Air Morocco: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/us-en/
Story and photography by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide, and New York Jewish Guide.com
The author took part in a press trip sponsored by the Moroccan National Office of Tourism.
