The Jewish history of Versailles—a city celebrated for its magnificent palace and pivotal role in French history—reveals a rich and evolving story of faith, resilience, and community. Jewish life in Versailles stretches back several centuries, shaped by periods of growth and challenge that mirrored France’s wider social and political transformations.
Today, the Jewish community of Versailles remains vibrant and active, anchored by its historic synagogue, which serves not only as a place of worship but also as the heart of communal life. Located at 10 rue Albert Joly, the Synagogue of Versailles, founded in the late 19th century, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring Jewish presence in the city. While modest in scale when compared to the grandeur of the nearby Palace of Versailles, it carries deep historical and spiritual significance as a symbol of continuity and resilience.
Throughout its history, the synagogue has brought together diverse Jewish traditions, welcoming both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, with services primarily following the Sephardic rite. For generations, it has preserved religious life, cultural heritage, and a strong sense of belonging for Jews in Versailles—making it an essential landmark in the city’s Jewish story.
Cécile-Charlotte Furtado-Heine (1821–1896) was a distinguished philanthropist who played an important role in supporting Jewish life and broader charitable causes in France. Born into a wealthy Jewish family, she devoted much of her fortune to hospitals, orphanages, and educational institutions. Among her most notable achievements was the founding of the Furtado-Heine Hospital in Paris, which provided medical care to the indigent. Her philanthropic legacy also extended to the Jewish community of Versailles, where her generosity helped nurture a lasting spirit of compassion and communal responsibility.
After World War II, the Synagogue of Versailles, like many Jewish institutions across Europe, entered a period of dormancy following the devastation and losses of the Holocaust. A turning point came in the 1960s, when a large wave of Jewish immigrants arrived from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. These North African Jews brought renewed energy, faith, and cultural vitality, filling the synagogue once again with families determined to rebuild their lives in France.
This post-war revival reshaped the synagogue’s character as Sephardic traditions—with their distinctive liturgy, melodies, and customs—became central to community life. Today, the Synagogue de Versailles is proudly a vibrant Sephardic congregation, where these rich traditions continue to flourish. In 2010, the synagogue was officially designated a Historical Monument of France, a recognition that followed a fifteen-year effort to acknowledge its architectural and cultural significance.
Versailles today has one main active synagogue, strongly supported by its members. The community sustains itself through membership dues and charitable contributions, especially through traditional High Holiday auctions, where honors such as aliyot—being called to the Torah—are bid on generously. These funds are essential for maintaining the synagogue, supporting its programs, and ensuring the continuity of Jewish life in Versailles for future generations.
Maurice Elkaim, President of the Synagogue of Versailles and originally from Morocco, shared with the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG):
“In our Beth Midrash, we hold a daily morning minyan with about 10 to 15 congregants. The larger synagogue is used for Shabbat and holidays. We maintain excellent relations with French-elected officials and hold monthly meetings with our community members.”
He added, “The synagogue’s façade faces north and never receives sunlight, while the south-facing windows overlook a wall. This orientation is unusual, as synagogues are typically oriented west-east. Above the portal are Hebrew inscriptions of Biblical verses: ‘Blessed are you at your coming, and blessed are you in your going out,’ ‘Come in turmoil into the house of God,’ and at the top of the building, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord,’ and ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’”
Versailles is home to an estimated 500 Jewish families, roughly 2,000 individuals, many of whom commute about thirty minutes from neighboring communities to attend synagogue services. In recent years, the community has seen modest growth, largely due to families moving from Paris suburbs in search of a tranquil yet socially connected environment. This influx has enriched the cultural and social life of the community, fostering a vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
The city hosts several Jewish educational institutions that serve the community’s needs. Gan Yeladim Preschool provides early childhood education rooted in Jewish traditions and values, creating a nurturing environment for young learners. The Talmud Torah offers religious education and Hebrew classes for children and teenagers, ensuring a strong foundation in Jewish knowledge and practice.
Maurice Elkaim noted, “Our synagogue hosts a Hebrew Sunday school with morning classes. We see an average of five families moving to Versailles each year from Paris, Switzerland, and other locations, drawn by excellent schools, larger homes, and green parks.” Additionally, Lycée Jean-Baptiste Say, while not exclusively a Jewish school, accommodates many Jewish students and respects their religious practices, providing a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.
The Chabad-Lubavitch movement has a meaningful presence in Versailles, offering a wide range of services to support the local Jewish community. The Chabad Center provides Torah classes, holiday programs, Shabbat meals, and youth activities, helping to nurture Jewish identity and observance among community members. Through its dynamic programming and welcoming approach, Chabad has become a central hub for Jewish life in Versailles, attracting both residents and visitors alike.
Valeria Asher, owner of Valeria Tours, told NYJTG that Jonathan Sandler, commemorated with a memorial plaque in the synagogue, was a Jewish teacher who, along with his two young sons, tragically lost his life in the terrorist attack in Toulouse in 2012. Although he was not a Versailles resident, his death deeply affected Jewish communities across France, including Versailles. The tragedy highlighted the ongoing challenges and security concerns faced by Jewish communities and reinforced the importance of solidarity and communal resilience. Sandler’s legacy continues to inspire efforts to strengthen and protect Jewish life throughout France.
In France, a law established in 1905 prohibits synagogues from receiving state funding or benefits, requiring them to rely entirely on community support for maintenance and activities. The Versailles Synagogue sustains itself through membership dues and generous donations from community members. A significant portion of its funding comes from auctions held during the High Holidays, where members generously bid on aliyot and other communal honors. The funds raised are essential for the synagogue’s upkeep and the continuation of its various programs.
Mr. Valeria shared an intriguing story about a local legend in Versailles involving a church without a bell. According to the tale, Mrs. Cécile-Charlotte Furtado-Heine, a prominent philanthropist, allegedly funded the church under the condition that it would not have a bell. Allegedly, Mrs. Furtado-Heine ensured that the bell’s toll would not disturb residents, including the Jewish community. Though the story’s authenticity is debated, it underscores her reputation for prioritizing the community’s well-being.
The Jewish community in Versailles enthusiastically observes many holidays. During Purim, the synagogue holds a Megillah reading, organizes a festive meal, and plans activities such as costume contests and games for children. The community celebrates Passover by hosting seders, gathering 50 to 80 members to learn about its significance. Shabbat dinners typically draw 80 to 200 attendees, varying with each occasion or holiday. Additionally, our recently renovated community center in Le Chesnay, just 5 minutes from the Synagogue and 15 minutes from Paris, warmly hosts weddings, engagements, henna ceremonies, brit Mila, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, and private parties for up to 200 people. Educational sessions are held to deepen understanding of holiday traditions, especially among younger members. On Yom Kippur, the community joins for a day-long service featuring special prayers, Torah readings, and opportunities for communal reflection and atonement, fostering a profound sense of unity and spiritual support.
Security is a paramount concern for the synagogue, especially for tourist visits. To ensure the safety of visitors and congregants, the synagogue requires tourists to submit a copy of their passports before their visit. Additionally, security personnel are stationed at the synagogue, providing a secure environment for all activities.
The Jewish cemetery in Versailles is an active burial ground, serving the community with dignity and respect. Spanning a considerable area, it accommodates numerous gravesites and provides a place for families to honor their loved ones while upholding the tradition of respectful burial within the Jewish faith. Ms. Asher, who has a deep connection to French Jewish history, remarked, “The Jewish cemetery in Versailles is an exclusive burial ground dedicated solely to the Jewish community, unlike those in Paris, where Jewish cemeteries are often shared with other religious groups. This exclusivity ensures a sacred and dedicated space for Jewish burials, preserving the community’s traditions and practices.”
However, the cemetery is nearly full, with limited space available, making plots increasingly expensive. Consequently, many members of the Jewish community in Versailles opt to be buried in Israel. This choice aligns with religious beliefs, offers a meaningful connection to the Jewish homeland, and helps mitigate the logistical and financial challenges associated with securing a burial site in the local cemetery.
Versailles offers many benefits for Jewish families considering a move. The community is tight-knit and supportive, providing a rich cultural and religious environment. The presence of educational institutions catering to Jewish children ensures that families can maintain their traditions and values. The relatively quieter suburban lifestyle, coupled with its proximity to Paris, makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced life. Additionally, the vibrant community life, active synagogue, and various Jewish activities provide a sense of belonging and continuity.
The Jewish community of Versailles hosts a variety of cultural and religious activities to attract visitors and tourists. Guided tours of Jewish sites, such as the synagogue and other landmarks, offer visitors a profound exploration of the area’s rich Jewish heritage.
The community warmly welcomes visitors to participate in Shabbat dinners, providing an opportunity to engage in communal meals and experience Jewish traditions firsthand. These efforts aim to foster inclusivity and a strong sense of community, making the Jewish experience in Versailles accessible and engaging for all.
The Jewish community in Versailles thrives as an integral part of the city’s cultural tapestry through robust educational programs, active religious life, and vibrant community engagement. Dedicated members drive these initiatives, ensuring the preservation and celebration of Versailles’ Jewish heritage. By upholding and sharing their traditions and values, the community cultivates a dynamic and welcoming environment that resonates with both residents and visitors.
For more information
Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide
For full details and to arrange your guided Jewish heritage tour of Versailles, including a special Shabbat experience and a visit to the Palace of Versailles, visit:
https://tourswithvaleria.com
Chabad of Versailles (Le Beth Habad)
🌐 https://www.loubavitchversailles.fr
📞 01 39 50 86 32
📧 bethloubavitchversailles@gmail.com
Synagogue of Versailles
10 Rue Albert Joly, 78000 Versailles
📧 aciv1@wanadoo.fr
