Curaçao, a small island covering roughly 170 square miles, is situated just off the northern coast of Venezuela. This culturally diverse paradise has been shaped by a harmonious blend of European and West African influences and is home to approximately 190,000 residents.

Its capital city, Willemstad, proudly holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, with its vibrant and colorful buildings standing as one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. The island’s economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, and Curaçao fully embraces the concept of “Dushi,” epitomizing the essence of sweetness, kindness, and all things good.

Willemstad, Curacao – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Curacao’s Jewish history traces back to Spain, where Sephardic Jews lived alongside Christians and Moors. In 1492, the Edict of Expulsion forced them to either leave Spain or convert to Christianity. While some fled to practice their faith freely, others remained and practiced Judaism in secret—until the Inquisition intensified its persecution.

Many of these Jews sought refuge in Portugal, but mounting pressure there in the late 16th century drove them to seek new homes. During the 15th and 16th centuries, large numbers of Sephardic Jews migrated to Amsterdam, drawn by its religious tolerance. This migration established a connection between the Jewish community and the Dutch, which would later extend to Curacao when it became a Dutch colony. During this period of colonization, Samuel Cohen became the first known Jew to settle on the island.

Curacao’s Jewish Community – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Jewish presence in Curaçao began in 1634 with Samuel Cohen, a translator on a Dutch ship capturing the island. Initially a naval base, the Dutch considered abandoning it until the West Indian Company (WIC) promoted settlement for agriculture.

In 1651, Joao d’Yllan led a small group of Portuguese Jews, but farming proved difficult. A larger group, led by Isaac da Costa, later shifted to trade, establishing the Jewish community’s lasting economic influence.

Shipping industry S.E.L Maduro & Sons – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Senior & Co Curacao Liqueur Factory – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Jewish community’s influence on Curaçao is not just a part of its history—it remains woven into the island’s very fabric. Their legacy is visible in street names, language, and architecture, as well as in key industries like finance, shipping, and the world-famous Curaçao liqueur. So profound is their impact that imagining Curaçao without their contributions is nearly impossible.

Mikve Israel – Emanuel Synagogue, Curacao- New York Jewish Travel Guide

Exploring Curaçao: Must-Visit Attractions

The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel (MIE) Synagogue, affectionately known as the Snoa, is a treasured landmark and the oldest surviving synagogue in continuous use in the Americas.

Founded in 1651 as “The Hope of Israel,” the congregation built its synagogue between 1729 and 1732 in the heart of Willemstad’s Punda district. Its modest exterior contrasts with the elegant interior, featuring rows of wooden pews, grand chandeliers, and a magnificent mahogany bimah. Above the archways leading to the courtyard, Hebrew inscriptions offer blessings: “Blessed may you be in your entrance” and “Blessed may you be in your departure.”

One of the synagogue’s most distinctive features is its sand-covered floor, a tradition with both historical and symbolic significance. Dating back to times of persecution, Sephardic Jews in the Iberian Peninsula would spread sand to muffle the sounds of their prayers. The sand also represents the Israelites’ desert journey after the Exodus and God’s promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants “as the sands of the seashore.” Today, the MIE Synagogue is one of only four synagogues worldwide that maintain this Dutch Portuguese Jewish tradition, alongside synagogues in Jamaica, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Suriname, and Amsterdam.

The synagogue houses 18 Torah scrolls, some over 300 years old, with several believed to have accompanied Sephardic Jews fleeing Spain after the 1492 Edict of Expulsion. These scrolls stand as a testament to the resilience and enduring faith of Curaçao’s Jewish community.

Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue – Curacao – New York Jewish Travel Guide

When visiting the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, take a moment to admire the grandeur of its 150-year-old pipe organ, a magnificent gift from the Dutch government. This historic instrument, both beautiful and powerful, plays a central role in the synagogue’s services, adding a rich, resonant layer to the spiritual experience.

Given Curaçao’s warm climate, visitors are advised to dress comfortably, as the synagogue relies on fans rather than air conditioning. Choosing a seat in a breezy area can make for a more pleasant experience.

Like many historic congregations, Mikvé Israel-Emanuel has undergone periods of division and reunification. Originally an Orthodox synagogue, a group of congregants seeking a more modern approach established the Reform Temple Emanuel in 1864. A century later, in 1964, a compromise was reached, and the congregations merged to form the Reconstructionist Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel, returning to the original 1732 building.

Despite a shrinking Jewish population, the community’s devotion to preserving its heritage remains steadfast. Every Friday night and Saturday morning, the synagogue hosts an inclusive Reconstructionist service, conducted in English and Hebrew, where tradition and progress coexist. The service is further enriched by the majestic pipe organ, originally built in 1866 and meticulously restored after the congregation’s 350th anniversary. To honor Halachic traditions, a local Adventist musician plays the organ on Shabbat, ensuring the instrument’s presence in services without violating Jewish law.

Today, Curaçao’s Jewish community, though numbering just around 250 individuals, remains deeply engaged in Jewish life. Between Mikvé Israel-Emanuel and the Ashkenazi Orthodox Shaarei Tsedek, the island maintains an active Hebrew school, a thriving BBYO chapter, and a close-knit culture of extended families gathering for Shabbat dinners. Despite the challenges of a declining population, their enduring pride and commitment to the historic Snoa ensure that the rich legacy of Curaçao’s Jewish heritage will continue for generations to come.

Above the archway into and out of the synagogue courtyard, “Blessed may you be in your entrance” and “Blessed may you be in your departure.” – Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue -New York Jewish Travel Guide

Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, like many other synagogues across the Caribbean, has become a sought-after venue for destination weddings, bar mitzvahs, and bat mitzvahs, particularly attracting affluent families from the United States. The synagogue hosts about a dozen of these special events annually, but its significance to Curaçao’s economy extends beyond private celebrations. The island’s economy greatly benefits from the influx of cruise ship tourists, with 834,922 cruise passengers visiting in 2024, many of whom include the synagogue as a stop on their itinerary. For a nominal $10 U.S. fee, visitors can explore the synagogue’s rich history and architectural beauty.

By opening the doors of their beloved synagogue to visitors, Curaçao’s Jewish community offers a unique window into the island’s rich past, a space for quiet reflection, and a peaceful sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

While visiting, be sure to explore the Jewish Cultural and Historical Museum, which offers a deeper understanding of the island’s Jewish community. The museum showcases historical artifacts, including ancient Torah scrolls and spice boxes, some of which date back to the 1300s. One of the most fascinating pieces is a Torah scroll secretly brought out of Spain during that time.
The museum is housed in a two-story building that is compact but brimming with compelling exhibits. Among the most poignant displays is the story of the “Yayas”, the black slaves or former slaves who cared for the children of affluent Jewish families. Their unique stories are thoughtfully presented in Papiamentu, the local Creole language, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known history of the island and its Jewish community.

Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, Curacao – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Jewish Cultural and Historical Museum in Curaçao offers an extensive and captivating collection of exhibits that reflect the rich history of the island’s Jewish community. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a 300-year-old mikveh and circumcision chairs dating back to the 1700s, setting the tone for the historical treasures within. The museum features a wide range of artifacts, including historical documents, original clothing, and World War II memorabilia, alongside a dedicated section for Anne Frank.

One of the most striking pieces on display is a large, silver-plated platter, traditionally used during Sephardic weddings as part of the custom of stepping through glass. The exhibits delve into the Jewish community’s Dutch heritage, with family trees, historical photos, and even a letter from George Washington offering a unique insight into the community’s roots, which trace back to the Spanish Inquisition. The museum also features replica headstones from the Jewish cemetery, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past. Although compact, the museum’s exceptional exhibits make it a valuable and lasting treasure.

Shaarei Tsedek

The Shaarei Tsedek Synagogue was established in 1959 by Ashkenazi Jews who had migrated to Curaçao from Central Europe. Initially located in the Scharloo neighborhood, the synagogue relocated in the 1980s to a more suburban area, completing a new building with a striking glass dome in 2006. Led for 11 years by Rabbi Ariel Yeshurun and his wife Ruhama, Shaarei Tsedek adheres to Ashkenazi Orthodox customs, though Sephardic Jews also participate in its services.

Rabbi Ref0el Silver, Shaarei Tzedek-Chabad of Curacao – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The community welcomed Rabbi Refoel Silver and his wife, Chani, along with their daughter, Chaya, to Shaarei Tzedek. Rabbi Silver and his wife have infused the synagogue with tremendous enthusiasm and energy, and the community has wholeheartedly embraced them. They have taken on the important role of serving not only the Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities but also reaching out to those who are unaffiliated, tourists, and individuals of various backgrounds on the beautiful island of Curaçao.

The Silvers have already made a remarkable impact on Jewish life in the region, fostering religious growth among both residents and visitors. Their efforts have included hosting Rosh Hashanah services and dinners, solemnly observing Yom Kippur with the local Jewish community, and even organizing the island’s very first “Sushi and Scotch” Sukkot party. Chani Silver has initiated numerous programs, such as the inaugural challah bake that brought together around 20 Jewish women on the island, a “Mommy & Me” program, weekly lunch-and-learn sessions, and classes catering to both men and women. Additionally, Chabad’s newly established Women’s Circle held its first event under her guidance.

Rabbi Silver attributed this growth in part to the increasing tourism on the island, especially over the past year, with more direct flights and the construction of an additional cruise ship pier. This surge in tourism has brought Jewish visitors from around the world in significant numbers. Rabbi Silver emphasized, “We are dedicated to reaching every Jew, whether they are part of families that have been here for generations or tourists who may not be very connected to their Jewish heritage. We are here to welcome and serve every single one of them.”

A huge transparent dome that serves as the entire roof of the sanctuary – Congregation Shaarei Tzedek, Curaçao- New York Jewish Travel Guide

A visit to Curacao’s two Jewish cemeteries provides a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich history. Among them, the Beth Haim Jewish Cemetery stands out as not only the oldest Jewish burial ground on Curacao but is also believed to be the oldest in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Beth Haim, meaning “House of Life,” was established by the initial Jewish settlers in 1659, just after they had arrived on the island. The name reflects the Jewish belief in the eternal nature of the soul. This sacred ground houses approximately 2,500 above-ground tombstones, many of which are adorned with exquisite sculptures. The inscriptions on these tombstones are written in a variety of languages, including Portuguese, Hebrew, Spanish, English, Dutch, and French. Notably, there is even one tombstone inscribed in Yiddish.

Beth Haim Jewish Cemetery-Curacao- New York Jewish Travel Guide

The presence of a nearby oil refinery has regrettably led to the deterioration of many ancient tombstones in the Beth Haim cemetery, with the last burials taking place in the 1950s.

At the far end of the cemetery stand two modest white buildings. One of these is a two-story structure designated for the Cohens, members of the priestly class who were prohibited from direct contact with the deceased due to ritual purity laws. To maintain their distance, they would ascend to the second floor to observe the funeral proceedings through a large window.

The other building holds significance for a unique Sephardic tradition. Here, the deceased’s coffin, encircled by seven candles, was placed on a bench in the center. Mourners would walk around the coffin seven times while reciting psalms before the burial took place.

Among the most poignant symbols on the tombstones is a hand holding an axe, symbolizing the untimely end of life, represented by a tree felled in its prime. In cases of child death, which tragically occurred frequently, the axe strikes a flower instead, a heartbreaking reflection of the grief felt by generations.

Additionally, some tombstones feature depictions of the deceased’s profession, such as ships for merchants, while others link their names to biblical figures, further honoring their legacy.

Symbol of a hand with an ax that chops down a tree in its prime, Beth Haim Jewish Cemetery – New York Jewish Travel Guide

In the Jewish cemetery, you’ll notice tombstones adorned with skulls and crossbones, a symbol that might seem out of place but is not related to pirates. Our guide, Emlyn, explained that these symbols likely originated from a time when some of the ancestors converted to Christianity during the Inquisition.

Nearby is the modern Jewish cemetery, Beit Haim Berg Altena, established in 1880. Originally smaller, it became part of the Reform Congregation Temple Emanuel after their split from Mikveh Israel in 1864. Later, Mikveh Israel acquired adjacent land, and in 1964, they removed the boundary walls that once separated the two Sephardic congregations, symbolizing a significant reconciliation and unity.

Modern Jewish cemetery “Beit Haim Berg Altena” – New York Jewish Travel Guide

A true cultural gem with deep Jewish roots is the Country House Landhuis Bloemhof, located on one of the smaller plantations on the island. Historical records show that the property was first sold in 1735. Today, this captivating venue hosts exhibitions, lectures, and creative workshops, all set within an inspiring ambiance featuring antique furniture. Interestingly, this building once served as a synagogue, and an empty cistern on the grounds is believed to have functioned as a mikvah, a Jewish ritual bath.

For a deeper dive into Curaçao’s Sephardic heritage, a drive through the Scharloo area of Willemstad, the island’s capital, offers a glimpse into the past. The district is home to vibrant, intricately designed mansions, often compared to wedding cakes, that were once owned by prosperous Jewish and white Protestant families. In the 18th century, as Curaçao flourished as a major port, shipyard owners amassed considerable wealth. They built these opulent mans

The multi-colored, wedding-cake-like mansions of Scharloo in the historic Jewish neighborhood of Willemstad – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The Scharloo neighborhood later became a vibrant center for Curaçao’s Ashkenazi Jewish community. Originally from Eastern Europe, these Ashkenazi Jews arrived in the Caribbean and quickly achieved great success as merchants. In the 19th century, the community became known for a friendly rivalry, with merchants competing to build the most opulent and magnificent mansions in the area. This rivalry not only reflected their newfound wealth but also the growing influence and presence of Ashkenazi Jews in the region.

This green mansion is called “The Bride’s Cake” – New York Jewish Travel Guide

The green mansion, affectionately known as “The Bride’s Cake,” was built in 1916 and now houses the National Archives of Curaçao. Nearby, an elegant yellow mansion, with its curvaceous design, has been repurposed as the Maritime Museum, while a charming mint-green greenhouse has been transformed into a hotel.

As the years passed, the upkeep of these grand homes became increasingly costly, prompting many owners to abandon the mansions and relocate to suburban areas. However, today, many of these architectural gems have been carefully restored and repurposed, with some now housing offices for international companies and banks. The Scharloo neighborhood stands as a vibrant tribute to the island’s rich heritage, offering a glimpse into the past while continuing to play an important role in the present.

For more information:

To plan your trip to Curaçao, contact the Curaçao Tourist Board or visit https://www.curacao.com/en/.

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

The author participated in a press trip sponsored by the Curaçao Tourist Board.