Cuba, the jewel of the Caribbean, is an island like no other—renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and timeless charm. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches, and lush landscapes, it offers a tropical paradise that captures the hearts of travelers from around the globe. But there’s more to this island than […]
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The Jewish history of Versailles, a city renowned for its opulent palace and significant role in French history, reflects a rich and evolving narrative. The community has roots extending back several centuries, with fluctuating periods of growth and decline influenced by broader socio-political events in France. The Jewish community in Versailles is vibrant and active, […]
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The Alentejo, a magnificent region in Portugal, is situated between the Algarve and central Lisbon. This expansive, sparsely populated area encompasses over 30 percent of Portugal’s land and is known for its charming rolling hills and historic fortified towns. In Portuguese, “Alentejo” means “beyond the Tagus River,” and it proudly holds the distinction of being […]
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The Bahamas, with its pristine turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, has rapidly become a premier destination for Jewish travelers seeking a combination of relaxation, luxury, and spiritual engagement. This idyllic Caribbean paradise offers a unique fusion of upscale accommodations, religious amenities, and a rich historical backdrop, appealing to Jewish communities worldwide. Whether […]
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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, […]
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Traveling to Cuba on a Jewish heritage journey was not just a cultural exploration but also a deeply personal encounter with a complex history often overlooked. I had the distinct privilege of participating in Jewish Heritage Travel’s The Jews of Cuba: A Marriage of Culture, an immersive experience that revealed the fascinating and often surprising […]
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Beth Shalom Temple, also known as “El Patronato,” is the largest Jewish congregation and community center in Havana, Cuba. Established in 1953 in the Vedado neighborhood, it became the center of Jewish life on the island. Designed by architect Aquiles Apablanca, the Gran Sinagoga features symbols of the twelve tribes of Israel and a modernist […]
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The French Jewish heritage is a rich mosaic reflecting a history of perseverance, intellectual vigor, and cultural diversity. Dating back to Roman times, Jewish communities settled in what is now France, evolving over centuries amidst shifting political and social landscapes. One pivotal era was the medieval period, when Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 […]
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The Jewish presence on the Iberian Peninsula predates the establishment of Portugal as a nation. Portuguese Jews have made enduring contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage through their significant involvement in the arts, philosophy, commerce, and sciences. Today, there is a growing fascination with uncovering Portugal’s Jewish legacy, particularly in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and […]
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During a recent press trip to London, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a Jewish cemetery nestled discreetly on Fulham Road. While exploring the renowned antiquarian and rare bookseller Sokol Books in central London, I glimpsed a Jewish cemetery through one of their rear windows. It serenely contrasts with the surrounding urban hustle and bustle, shielded […]
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