Jamaica

From JudaismWiki

Jamaica was a Spanish colony from 1494 to 1655. During that period, there was a constant stream of Conversos from the Iberian peninsula, mainly from Portugal. The British occupation enabled these covert Jews to return to Judaism. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Jews controlled the sugar and vanilla industries and played a leading role in foreign trade and shipping. In the 19th century, they were prominent in the political, social, and cultural life of the country. In 1849, for example, 8 of the 47 members of the House of Assembly were Jews, and the House adjourned for Yom Kippur. In 1881 the Jewish population reached 2,535 out of 13,800 white citizens. In the 20th century, Jews from Syria and Germany joined the community. However, the Jewish population diminished due to economic decline, emigration, and intermarriage.

Communal Life

The various communities amalgamated to form the United Congregation of Israelites, which is mixed Sephardi-Ashkenazi. There is only one functioning synagogue, but the community also maintains a school called the Hillel Academy and a home for the aged. Chapters of WIZO and B'nai B'rith also exist.

Israel

Israel and Jamaica enjoy full diplomatic relations. Israel is represented by its ambassador in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic).

Sites

Jews settled all over Jamaica, and there were synagogues in Kingston, Spanish Town, Port Royal, and Montego Bay. The ruins of many of these can be visited, as can 14 Jewish cemeteries.

United Congregation of Israelites Shaare Shalom Synagogue P.O.B 540, Kingston 6 Tel. 809 927 7948, Fax. 809 978 6240

SYNAGOGUES

The United Congregations of Israelites, Shaarei Shalom 92 Duke Street Kingston Tel: 876 922 5931 Fax: 876 978 6240