Embarking on a journey to Marrakech is like stepping into a sensory wonderland, where exotic sights, sounds, fragrances, and flavors converge to create an unparalleled experience. Often called the “Paris of Morocco” and known as the “Red City” or “Al Hamra,” Marrakech presents a mesmerizing blend of culture and charm that is truly captivating.
Djemaa El Fna is surrounded by a captivating array of enchanting souks, each bursting with vibrant colors. These bustling markets stretch into the ancient walls of Marrakech’s historic Medina. Every corner reveals treasures, from exquisite carpets and aromatic spices to intriguing trinkets that attract curious travelers. Talented artisans fill these narrow, winding alleys, where you can see leather craftsmen, skilled copper artisans, delightful pastry vendors, and masterful lantern makers honing their craft.
Turn a corner, and you’ll discover herbalists eager to share their expertise on choosing the perfect spices for a tagine or remedies to quiet even the loudest snores. Keep an eye out for rare items like lizard skins and mystical fetishes used in ancient black magic rituals, and watch fortune tellers practicing their mystic arts in the hidden corners of the souk. This is the mesmerizing Marrakech souk—a realm of exploration and a shopping experience renowned for its exceptional charm.
Djemma el Fna Square, A New York Jewish Travel Guide
The Jewish community in Marrakech currently numbers around 200 individuals, with most residing in various new neighborhoods across the city. A few families still live in the historic Mellah, the city’s Jewish quarter. Two active synagogues play central roles in Jewish life:
- Beth-El Synagogue: Situated in the modern Ville Nouvelle of Gueliz, this synagogue is historically significant as it was once home to Maimonides, the renowned Jewish philosopher whose scholarship deeply impacted Torah studies in the Middle Ages.
- Maimonides Jewish Community Center: This center serves both as a place of worship and a community hub, featuring a beautiful synagogue with an ark adorned with Hebrew scrolls and exquisitely embroidered velvet mantles, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of Marrakech’s Jewish community.
Beth-El Synagogue: A New York Jewish Travel Guide
Lazama Synagogue
The Lazama Synagogue, a 16th-century historic gem, is a testament to Morocco’s rich Jewish heritage. Situated near the largest Jewish cemetery and within the Melah (Jewish quarter), it regularly welcomes visitors. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a classic Moroccan courtyard that highlights the region’s architectural charm. Steeped in historical significance, the synagogue’s walls echo centuries of history. Inside, a collection of pictures, artifacts, and documents vividly depicts life in the Moroccan Jewish community during the 19th and 20th centuries.
This district maintains the authentic ambiance of a traditional Medina neighborhood, characterized by its winding alleys and local vendors offering a variety of tantalizing foods and aromatic spices. Jewish residences in the area are distinctive, featuring open balconies adorned with the Star of David, serving as a visual reminder of the enduring Jewish presence.
Miaara Jewish Cemetery
In the same devoted manner as they cherish their living heritage, the Marrakech Jewish community extends their care to their departed loved ones. The Miaara Jewish Cemetery in Marrakech is a testament to this enduring tradition, with a history stretching back two to three centuries. Situated adjacent to the Jewish quarter of Marrakech, it ranks among the largest cemeteries in all of Morocco.
Within the Miaara Cemetery lie the revered Tzaddikim of Marrakech, including the esteemed Rabbi Shlomo ben Hensh and Rabbi David Halevy. These sages, known for their profound wisdom and scholarship, made a lasting impact on the rich tapestry of Marrakech’s Jewish heritage.
Miaara Jewish Cemetery: New York Jewish Travel Guide
“Exploring Marrakesh: Must-Visit Attractions”
The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque holds the prestigious designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notably, each of its four faces is adorned with a unique and intricate pattern, adding to its architectural splendor. Surrounding the mosque are lush gardens graced by a central water feature that casts a mesmerizing reflection of this architectural marvel. For those seeking to capture its beauty, visiting during the sunset promises exquisite photo opportunities.
The Museum of Water Civilization
The Museum of Water Civilization stands as a pioneering Moroccan landmark, focusing on the historical and cultural significance of water. Its primary purpose is to educate Moroccans about the value of water and the importance of water conservation. This institution has evolved into one of Marrakech’s iconic cultural hubs, drawing thousands of visitors.
Museum of Water Civilization: New York Jewish Travel Guide
The Musee Yves Saint Laurent
The Musee Yves Saint Laurent pays tribute to the iconic French designer with a collection of couture pieces, sketches, films, and runway shows. The museum’s architecture is a work of art, reflecting the texture of the fabric outside and the lining of a couture jacket inside. Garments are regularly rotated to keep the exhibition dynamic.
Majorelle Garden
In the heart of Gueliz in Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden offers a serene escape from the bustling medina. It features a diverse range of tropical plants, vibrant blue Moorish buildings, and inviting benches for relaxation. A memorial to Yves Saint Laurent in the garden adds an artistic touch with a Roman pillar and a tranquil Koi Pond.
The Berber Museum is a beautifully crafted space, showcasing a well-curated collection that provides a captivating glimpse into Berber traditions, decorative arts, and craftsmanship. Rather than overwhelming visitors, it offers a concise snapshot of this rich cultural heritage.
A particular highlight is a room dedicated to jewelry, an incredible display that uses mirrors and lighting to create a mesmerizing effect, giving visitors the sensation of floating in space.
The Majorelle Garden: A New York Jewish Travel Guide
We head to Essaouira, with a short stop en route to watch goats climbing argan trees. Attracted by the fruit of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco, the goats climb the trees to munch on it. Adding to the uniqueness of the scene, the undigested nuts pass through the goats and are collected from their droppings to make precious argan oil. While this is one method of producing argan oil, rest assured there are other methods as well—so not all of it comes from a goat’s stomach! Argan trees grow in specific regions of Morocco, with the best places to spot goats in trees being around Agadir, Essaouira, and Taroudant.
Argan tree goats en route! —New York Jewish Travel Guide
Essaouira, often hailed as the most beautiful port city in Morocco, is a magnet for tourists from around the world. This windswept fishing port, occasionally referred to as the “Wind City of Africa” by locals, lures in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with its natural splendor.
This coastal gem is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. You might recognize it from the silver screen, as its captivating Medina has served as a backdrop for renowned productions like Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Wandering through Essaouira’s narrow, meandering streets is an experience, that allows you to absorb the town’s unique ambiance. A must-visit destination within Essaouira is its UNESCO-listed medina, formerly known as Mogador, characterized by whitewashed houses nestled within protective walls and adorned with vibrantly painted doors, predominantly in shades of blue.
An unforgettable sight in Essaouira is its bustling fishing harbor, where you can savor fresh seafood while admiring the kaleidoscope of colors that adorn the local fishing boats. Essaouira’s natural beauty, historical significance, and cinematic allure make it an essential stop for any traveler exploring Morocco.
Essaouira: Magnificent colors of the boats—New York Jewish Travel Guide
Muslim communities’ religious tolerance, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of both Jewish and Muslim communities, is found in Essaouira history.
The city’s architectural landscape is a captivating blend of Moorish and Art Deco styles, evident not only in its residential buildings but also in more than a dozen synagogues, a Talmud Torah, and various other structures that serve as tangible remnants of centuries of Jewish heritage. Many of these buildings even feature the Star of David intricately carved into their facades, standing as enduring symbols of the city’s diverse and peaceful past.
Star of David carved into the façade—New York Jewish Travel Guide
The Essaouira Synagogue, situated in the Old Jewish Quarter, is a meticulously restored structure that encompasses both the living quarters and the synagogue of Rabbi Chaim Pinto (1748–1845). The building is a testament to the rich history of the Jewish community in the city.
The first floor of the building served as the living space for Rabbi Chaim Pinto and his family. Ascending to the second floor, you’ll encounter a small religious sanctuary. Here, the ark stands out with its bright blue paint and houses an ancient Torah. In the heart of the room, you’ll discover the tebah, which serves as the platform from which the Torah is read. It is encircled by benches and cushions designated for men.
This synagogue holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Jews, who consider Rabbi Pinto a “saint.” It serves as a revered pilgrimage site, and its existence stands as a poignant reminder of the once-vibrant Jewish community that thrived in Essaouira’s past.
Synagogue of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, New York Jewish Travel Guide
The Synagogue Simon Attias, though currently under renovation, is undergoing a transformation with significant cultural and historical significance. Closed since 2009, it is in the process of being restored and repurposed into a museum of Judaism and a future cultural center for reflection and research. This institution will bear the name of the contemporary historian Haim Zafrani, a Moroccan scholar born in Essaouira who dedicated his life to collecting and preserving the history, music, and oral poetry of Morocco’s Jewish community, thereby ensuring the safeguarding of the country’s rich Jewish heritage.
Synagogue Simon Attias: Being Restored: A New York Jewish Travel Guide
The Synagogue Slat Lkahal stands as a poignant testament to the vibrant Jewish community life in Mogador, now known as Essaouira. Built in 1850, during a period when many synagogues thrived in the city, this historic synagogue is of significant cultural and historical importance. Recent extensive renovations have revitalized and restoring it to full operational status.
Today, the Synagogue serves as an active place of worship, offering a spiritual sanctuary for its congregation. In addition to its religious functions, it houses a modest museum and a designated area for scholarly study, enhancing the cultural and educational value of this historic site.
A standout feature of this restoration is the meticulous preservation of the altar housing the Torah. Its original beauty has been revived, with much of the historic woodwork expertly conserved. The Synagogue now plays a vital role in Essaouira’s history and, more broadly, in Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
Synagogue Slat Lkahal, New York Jewish Travel Guide
Palais Heure Blue
Palais Heure Bleue is a charming boutique hotel near the Medina’s entrance, skillfully renovated to retain its historical ambiance. Designed around a central courtyard like a Riad, it features a stunning garden with palm trees and a calming fountain, perfect for afternoon tea.
The hotel’s elegant decor, with colonial touches, and rooms reflecting 1930s Moroccan luxury offer a blend of comfort and style. Breakfast is exceptional, with fresh dishes and Moroccan pancakes made to order.
The friendly, attentive staff ensures a comfortable stay, with meticulous housekeeping and replenished amenities. The rooftop terrace provides a peaceful retreat, and additional features like a small cinema and billiard room enhance the experience.
Palais Heure Bleue is a refined and serene oasis where luxury meets historical charm—a true gem in shades of blue.
Palais Heure Blue, Rooftop Terrace, New York Jewish Travel Guide
For more information on planning a trip to Morocco, contact the Moroccan National Office of Tourism or visit http://www.visitmorocco.com/en.
For details on Moroccan tourism with a focus on Jewish heritage, contact:
Fly Royal Air Maroc: 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 participated in a press trip sponsored by the Moroccan National Office of Tourism.
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