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Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum: A Historic Landmark

Explore one of the Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogues and discover the captivating history of Jewish heritage in Barbados.

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The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum in Bridgetown, Barbados, is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to 1654. It tells the story of Jewish settlement in the Caribbean and their contribution to the island's history.

A brief summary to The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the week, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to ensure the Synagogue and Museum are open.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the synagogue and its surrounding district.
  • Explore the Nidhe Israel Museum to see artifacts and interactive displays that trace the history of Jewish life in Barbados.
  • Don't miss the chance to see the 17th-century mikvah, believed to be the oldest in the Americas.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum is located in the heart of Bridgetown, within the Synagogue Historic District. From the Parliament Buildings, walk east along Broad Street, then turn right onto James Street. Synagogue Lane will be on your right. The synagogue is a short walk from the main streets of Bridgetown. Walking from the cruise port takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum via public transport, take a bus or ZR minibus to Bridgetown. From the Fairchild Street or Princess Alice Terminal, walk towards Broad Street and then follow the walking directions. The standard bus fare is BBD 3.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Barbados. A taxi from the cruise port to the synagogue costs approximately USD $10. From Bridgetown city center, a short taxi ride will cost around BBD 20.00, plus BBD 3.8 per kilometer.

  • Driving

    From Highway 1, follow signs for Bridgetown. Once in Bridgetown, navigate to James Street. Synagogue Lane is off James Street. Limited street parking is available near the synagogue. Alternatively, paid parking is available at Mason Hall Car Park on Masonhall Street, a short walk west of the synagogue (approximately 440 meters). Be aware that downtown Bridgetown has many one-way streets.

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Discover more about The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum, located on Synagogue Lane in Bridgetown, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people in Barbados. Established in 1654 by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Brazil, it is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere. The synagogue served as the heart of their religious, social, and educational life. The early Jewish settlers played a significant role in Barbados's sugar industry, bringing valuable skills in cultivation and production. The original synagogue was damaged by a hurricane in 1831 but was rebuilt in 1833 on the same site. However, the Jewish population declined, and the synagogue was sold in 1929 and used for various secular purposes. In the 1980s, a renewed interest in preserving Jewish heritage led to the synagogue's restoration. It was rededicated in 1989. In 2008, a 17th-century mikvah (ritual bath) was discovered on the grounds and is believed to be the oldest in the Americas. The Nidhe Israel Museum opened in 2008, showcasing artifacts and exhibits about Jewish life in Barbados. Today, the Synagogue Historic District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the synagogue, museum, cemetery, and mikvah. Visitors can explore the synagogue, examine the exhibits in the museum, and learn about the history and legacy of the Jewish community in Barbados.

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