For centuries, Moroccan culture has beautifully intertwined with Jewish heritage, offering a captivating experience for travelers of all backgrounds. This rich fusion unveils the storied Jewish Mellah, a vibrant community, remarkable synagogues, and architectural gems influenced by Andalusian and Moorish styles. Morocco is also home to sacred tombs, revered holy sites, and the unique Jewish Museum within the Islamic world.

The country boasts a wealth of distinguished Jewish heritage sites that attract visitors from across the globe. Key highlights include meticulously preserved synagogues, cemeteries, and the Mellah, all nestled within the historic Jewish quarters of Moroccan cities.

These heritage sites are either recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites or are under the careful protection of the Moroccan monarchy and government. Through ongoing restoration and preservation, they continue to stand as enduring symbols of Morocco’s illustrious Jewish legacy.

Casablanca, Morocco—New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Enduring Connection: Moroccan Jews and Their Heritage

Jews of Moroccan descent, both in Israel and around the world, frequently return to Morocco, with some even maintaining second homes in the country. The abundance of Jewish heritage tours attracts enthusiasts eager to explore significant pilgrimage sites throughout the nation, especially during the Hillouloth. Key destinations include the revered Rabbi Yehouda Benatar in Fes, Rabbi Haim Pinto in Mogador, Rabbi Amram Ben Diwane in Ouezzan, and Rabbi Yahia Lakhdar in Beni-Ahmed.

Casablanca, Morocco’s vibrant economic hub, stands out as the center of the country’s largest Jewish community and is home to the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world. Originating from a former Jewish orphanage, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism is celebrated for its thorough and meticulous portrayal of the 2,000-year history of Jews in Morocco. Despite its modest size, the museum offers a rich collection of invaluable artifacts and historical treasures.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism: A Living Testament to Shared Heritage

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, covering 700 square meters, features a versatile exhibition hall for art displays, three rooms dedicated to religious and family-life artifacts, and two fully reconstructed Moroccan synagogues. It also boasts extensive document, video, and photo libraries that offer a deeper understanding of Moroccan Jewish heritage.

Zhor Rehihil, the museum’s director with a Ph.D. in Jewish studies, is a Muslim woman who underscores the significance of several key items in the collection. These include Torah scrolls, hamzas, menorahs, intricately embroidered caftans, and a beautifully carved wooden bimah. Rehihil highlights the profound connection between Moroccan Muslims and Jews, noting that the departure of Moroccan Jews created a void in the nation’s identity. She also points out that Morocco’s flag once featured a six-pointed star, similar to Israel’s, but it was changed to a five-pointed star under French rule.

Rehihil emphasizes that the Moroccan constitution guarantees the rights of Jews to practice their religion and receive an education. In 2011, Morocco’s new constitution officially recognized the significant “Hebraic influences” on Moroccan identity. She notes that Morocco has made considerable efforts to preserve its Jewish heritage, a move that is gradually shifting perceptions among ordinary Moroccans. They now recognize that the Jewish narrative is an essential part of Moroccan heritage and feel a collective responsibility to protect it for future generations.

Hanukiah, The Museum of Moroccan Judaism -New York Jewish Travel Guide

Synagogue Beth El: Casablanca’s Grand Jewel of Jewish Heritage

When visiting Casablanca, Synagogue Beth El is an essential stop, as it is the city’s largest among its 30 synagogues. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking interior featuring stained glass inspired by Marc Chagall, which bathes the space in a vibrant spectrum of colors as sunlight streams through. The ambiance is further enhanced by an immense crystal chandelier that casts a radiant, rainbow-like glow throughout the synagogue.

The synagogue also showcases ancient Hebrew scrolls and walls adorned with gilded quotes from the Torah, creating an atmosphere rich in history and spiritual significance. This captivating fusion of art, culture, and spirituality is a must-see during your visit to Casablanca.

Synagogue Beth El, New York Jewish Travel Guide

A Vibrant Educational Network: Moroccan Jewish Schools

The Moroccan Jewish community maintains a strong educational network that attracts both Jewish and Muslim families. Notable among these institutions is Ecole Maimonides, a French international secondary school part of the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) network.

The Alliance Israelite School, founded in Tetouan in 1862, is one of the region’s oldest educational institutions and holds the distinction of being the largest Jewish high school in Morocco and Africa. It stands out both in physical size and in the number of students it serves. Each class typically includes around 21 students from both Jewish and Muslim backgrounds.

The school offers a French curriculum similar to the French Baccalaureate, supplemented with 15 hours per week dedicated to Judaica studies and modern languages, including Hebrew and Arabic. This dual focus on general and cultural education underscores the harmonious coexistence and shared values among its diverse student body.

Mr. Shimon Cohen, Director of the Ecole Maimonides, Casablanca, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Shimon Cohen, who has served as the school’s director for the past two decades, shares a deep affection for the institution and a profound sense of nostalgia. His sentiment stems from the fulfilling years he has spent nurturing an environment where Jewish and Muslim communities coexist in harmony, mutual trust, and friendship.

Shimon highlighted that this exceptional relationship extends beyond the school, influencing students’ lives even after school hours. However, he noted significant changes over the years. When he first joined the school more than 20 years ago, the student body was approximately 90 percent Jewish and 10 percent Muslim. Today, the demographics have reversed, with around 90 percent of students being Muslim and only 10 percent Jewish, which amounts to 25 Jewish students out of the total 350 enrolled.

Jewish Students at Ecole Maimonides, Casablanca, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Ecole Maimonides is renowned as a prestigious yet accessible private school. Mr. Cohen highlighted the school’s dedication to maintaining a close-knit environment where students and teachers are personally known rather than just numbers. The institution benefits from the support of American delegations, such as the Joint American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which visits three times a year to assist with management and student support.

The school also features a modest synagogue where the community comes together for Shabbat and Jewish holidays. This sacred space was dedicated in memory of Charles Benouaich, Meyer Laluz, and Hanina Benaim, and it was officially inaugurated on June 24, 1985.

Ecole Maimonides, a small synagogue, is used by the community for Shabbat and Jewish holidays – New York Jewish Travel Guide

A Glimpse into the Past: The Jewish Cemetery of Ben Msik

For a captivating insight into the community’s history, a visit to the Jewish Cemetery of Ben Msik is highly recommended. This tranquil and open cemetery features well-preserved white stone markers with inscriptions in French, Hebrew, and Spanish, providing a serene space where the past resonates deeply.

Each year, Moroccan Jews come together to celebrate a Hilloula, commemorating the anniversary of the revered Rabbi Eliyahu Hacohen’s passing. Known as Qandil El Blad, or “the land’s lamp,” Rabbi Eliyahu Hacohen was originally interred in the heart of Casablanca’s ancient medina. This annual celebration remains a significant and cherished tradition in the community.

Casablanca’s Jewish Cemetery, Ben Msik, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Strengthening Ties: Current Insights on the Moroccan Jewish Community

Serge Berdugo, the secretary-general of Moroccan Jewry, former Minister of Tourism (1993-1995), and Ambassador of His Majesty King Mohammed VI since 2006, recently shared his insights with visiting journalists about the current state of the Moroccan Jewish community. He emphasized the community’s stability and the strong connections it maintains with the global Jewish diaspora.

Morocco continues to be a favored destination, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors from Israel each year. These visitors come to participate in various events, including Hillouloth (pilgrimages), Passover, and a range of other holidays, celebrations, and weddings. This ongoing connection highlights the deep and lasting bonds between Moroccan Jews and their counterparts around the world.

Mr. Serge Berdugo, secretary-general of Moroccan Jewry in Casablanca, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Preserving Heritage and Addressing Community Needs: Recent Developments

Mr. Berdugo highlighted a significant milestone from 2010 when Morocco’s King Mohammed VI launched a major initiative to restore over 167 Jewish burial sites and 12,600 graves across 40 provinces. This effort also included the establishment of the Jewish Cultural Museum in Fes, with plans for a new museum in Tangier and the already-opened museum in Essaouira. Additionally, the Synagogue Attias, known as the House of Memory, was renovated and repurposed as a research center.

Berdugo noted that while many Moroccan Jews emigrated 50 or 60 years ago, they can still obtain a Moroccan passport within two months if they provide a valid birth certificate. A current challenge for the community is maintaining Kashrut standards. In response, a student yeshiva has been established, and by the end of the year, it will graduate 60 students from Israel, the United States, Ethiopia, and other countries. Furthermore, a new school for Shomrim (kashrut supervisors) and Shochatim (ritual slaughterers) is being launched to address gaps in Kashrut services.

Journalists with Mr. Serge Berdugo, secretary-general of Moroccan Jewry in Casablanca—New York Jewish Travel Guide

Embracing Holocaust Education and Interfaith Cooperation: Morocco’s Recent Initiatives

Berdugo highlighted a notable milestone: King Mohammed VI’s enthusiastic endorsement of Holocaust education in Moroccan schools. This initiative underscores Morocco’s strong commitment to educating students about the Holocaust and its profound historical significance.

Morocco’s dedication to incorporating Holocaust studies into its educational curriculum promotes awareness and understanding of this critical historical event. As part of this commitment, Moroccan students, both Muslim and Jewish, participate annually in the March of the Living at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. This educational event brings together youth from around the world to commemorate the Holocaust and learn from its history.

Morocco also maintains connections with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and regularly hosts symposiums and conferences in collaboration with Project Aladdin. This NGO focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue and combating Holocaust denial, racism, and intolerance, with an emphasis on fostering understanding between Muslims and Jews.

Additionally, Berdugo highlighted the Mimouna Organization as a prime example of interfaith cooperation. Founded over seven years ago by Moroccan Muslims, the organization aims to preserve and reintroduce Jewish Moroccan culture. Named after a holiday observed by Moroccan Jews on the day following Passover, Mimouna represents a tradition of inviting Muslim neighbors for a feast, symbolizing the end of the holiday and the promise of redemption.

Today, the Mimouna Organization offers Hebrew classes on campuses, fosters interfaith dialogue among students, and organizes Moroccan-Jewish-themed events featuring authentic kosher cuisine, music, and a mini-museum of artifacts.

For more information, visit:

To plan a trip to Morocco, contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office or log on to http://www.visitmorocco.com/en.

Fly Royal Air Morocco: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/us-en/

Ride with Train Al Boraq, a high-speed rail service between Casablanca and Tangier.

Story & photography by Meyer Harroch – New York Jewish Travel Guide & New York  Jewish Guide.

The author took part in a press trip sponsored by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.