BARBADOS JEWISH COMMUNITY TODAY

THE BARBADOS JEWISH COMMUNITY TODAY

In the 1930’s a handful of European Jewish families seeking refuge from anti-Semitism and Hitler made their way to Barbados and planted roots here.  Their grandchildren, fifty years later, took it upon themselves to rescue and restore the threatened Nidhe Israel synagogue — built in 1654 by a Sephardic community that had thrived on the island for 200 years and then vanished.

Today, fourth and fifth generation Bajan (<bājən> informal term for a Barbadian resident) Jews comprise a majority of our tiny kehillah of 50+ full-time residents, however every winter our numbers are bolstered by the arrival of dozens of long-term “snow birds” from the UK, United States and Canada, as well as short-term visitors from all over the world.

During the Winter season, from Hanukkah to Pesach, we utilize the historic Nidhe Israel facilities in downtown Bridgetown for our communal functions, including our regular Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:30 pm.  

Our services are conducted by members of the community who are both knowledgeable and willing.

During the Summer season, from Pesach to Hanukah, the community holds its weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services and other gatherings (including High Holiday celebrations) at the residential Sha’are Tzedek synagogue on Rockley New Road in Christ Church. LOCATIONS - MAP

Kehillat Barbados is an egalitarian community that is affiliated with the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) in North America as well as the Commonwealth Jewish Council of the UK.

OUR COMMITTED COMMUNITY

We are a community which is blessed to be made up of a dedicated, involved and passionate membership who have a voice in shaping our community and who demonstrate their commitment to it's future, the future of Conservative Judaism and to Conservative Jewish values in the world.  

Although we are a Conservative congregation, our community is made up of Reform, Liberal, Conservative and Orthodox members. Compassion and understanding have enabled us to continue the practice of Friday night services. We support one another through mitzvahs, and through Yahrzeits. We are bound by our belief in Judaism and our devotion to building a community of respect.

OUR COMMITTMENT OF INCLUSIVENESS

The Barbados Jewish Community is an inclusive and welcoming community. We encourage participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of our sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, ability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.