The New York Jewish Travel Guide sat down with David Perets, Chief Rabbi of the Sephardic Jewish community of Panama at Beth Shevet Ahim, to ask a few questions about Jewish life and the community in Panama. The following interview was edited for clarity:

NYJTG: Thank you very much for your time, Rabbi. Could you please provide a brief introduction for yourself? How long have you been residing in Panama, and what prompted your decision to come here? In the beginning, did you encounter challenges adapting to a new environment, community, and culture in Latin America?

Rabbi Perets: Coming from Venezuela, where I served as a Rabbi in a Moroccan community, I received a call from Rabbi Sion Levey z’l to join this community. With the economic situation in Venezuela deteriorating, I made the decision to relocate to this beautiful, close-knit, and unified community. Our synagogue’s Tehila exemplifies our united connection to the community. Despite Shevet Ahim comprising five synagogues, we come together as one congregation for prayers, with over a thousand worshippers joining us on Shabbat. The unity extends to our multiple Miyamins, particularly in Paitilla, where we have more than ten, reflecting our shared desire for communal prayer. Adjusting to Panama was relatively seamless for me, given my Venezuelan background and familiarity with Latin American culture. It was an effortless transition, allowing me to integrate smoothly into this vibrant community.

NYJTG: I’d like to learn more about the founding and history of Shevet Ahim. Could you share insights into the inception and development of this community?

Rabbi Perets: The narrative traces back to 1933, when a multitude of individuals from diverse origins embarked on a journey here. Hailing from distant lands like Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jerusalem, they united to form the magnificent Shevet Ahim synagogue, forging a shared space for worship. Over time, the community thrived, embracing additional members from Iran and Syria. Subsequently, amidst economic and political upheavals, another wave of immigrants sought solace within this dynamic and inclusive community, this time arriving from Venezuela and Uruguay.

Shevet Ahim Synagogue, New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG:  Could you share the age groups and demographics within the synagogue’s membership, along with the current total membership count? Also, I’m curious about the synagogue’s efforts to assist senior members and if there are any nursing homes in the community.

Rabbi Perets: Initially, our community comprised mostly younger immigrants, with fewer older members. To cater to our youth, we established a special Miyamin and a dedicated synagogue for kids aged 13 to 16, aiming to train them as Hazanim. Additionally, we set up another synagogue for ages 16 to 24, each with its own hazan, alongside a larger one for general services. To harmonize our diverse Jewish customs, Rabbi Sion Levy z’l introduced Minhag Yerushalayim, ensuring acceptance among all members. We also provide Bar Mitzvah preparation, conducting around sixty to seventy ceremonies annually. Presently, approximately 3,000 families are part of Shevet Ahim, each obtaining a membership package for assigned seating, extendable to spouses and family members. Despite our community’s growth, Panama’s Jewish population remains at around 15,000, with limited interest in Aliyah, which attracts only about one family per year. While there’s currently no nursing home, the ongoing Beth Simha project aims to establish senior facilities in Panama City soon.

Kollel Emet LeYaakov, New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: What makes the Shevet Ahim community and its members unique compared to others?

Rabbi Perets: A significant aspect of our community is the teachings of Rabbi Sion Levy z’l, who imparted invaluable lessons on conduct and mutual respect, even amidst differing religious beliefs. We stand as a united group, regularly attending synagogue together. A special bond exists among our members, evident in our tradition of inviting each other for Shabbat dinners or lunches. This reflects our strong unity as Jews and our shared commitment to religious observance.

The Shevet Ahim community is characterized by several distinctive features: Diversity: With members from various cultural backgrounds, including Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Jerusalem, Venezuela, and Uruguay, fostering inclusivity.

Unity: Despite diversity, members share common values, coming together for prayer, holidays, and support, creating a strong sense of camaraderie. Generational Engagement: The community engages members of all ages through tailored programs, ensuring everyone feels valued.

A commitment to tradition: upholding Jewish traditions while embracing innovation to meet evolving needs, exemplified by the implementation of Mihag Yerushalayim. Supportive Environment: Providing services like Bar Mitzvah preparation and assistance for seniors fosters a caring environment for all members.

In essence, the Shevet Ahim community’s blend of diversity, unity, generational engagement, commitment to tradition, and support distinguishes it within the Jewish community.

Ateret Yosef Synagogue, New York Jewish Travel Guide

NYJTG: Can you discuss the dynamics between the Reform and Orthodox Jewish communities in Panama City, as well as the relationships between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews?

Rabbi Perets: In our community, Kol Shearith Israel stands as the only reform synagogue. Regrettably, a small reform faction within the community feels marginalized from most communal activities, facing social exclusion due to some members of Kol Shearith Israel being married to non-Jews. Nevertheless, our Ashkenazi and Sephardic members maintain a strong bond of unity and closeness. Despite our differences, we consider ourselves one family, often joining together for celebrations and holidays, fostering a sense of togetherness and inclusivity.

NYJTG: Can you provide insights into the challenge of conversions to Judaism in Latin America, attributed to the absence of a local Beth Din and the practice where the Rabbinate doesn’t conduct conversions?   How does the Jewish community traditionally welcome and support new converts?

Rabbi Perets: Conversion is not permitted within our community due to the prevalence of intermarriages. Should someone express a desire to convert, we advise them to seek conversion elsewhere, such as in New York or Israel. Regrettably, even if they obtain a conversion certificate and seek to return, our strict religious rules prevent us from accepting them.

However, we do offer support through our Beth Din, which addresses issues such as divorce and financial transactions, providing essential assistance and guidance in these matters.

NYJTG: Thank you for your valuable time and for all the information you shared with us. I appreciated it, as will our readers.

For more information:

Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com

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