the first jewish synagogue

The first jewish synagogue in the Americas, or New World, is located in Recife, Brazil.

On Wednesday, we went down to the historic center of Recife & were able to take a tour of the synagogue.

It was such a neat experience to be able to learn about a religion that has so much history. I was so surprised when I found out the first synagogue was here, in Recife of all places. 

This synagogue is called the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue.

(meaning: rock of israel in hebrew)

It was established by immigrants from the Netherlands, and the "new christians" who were living in the colony. Many of these people had escaped Europe because of persecution and although Catholicism has always been the official religion of Brazil (and still is today), it was easier for them to practice their religion here.  The dutch invaded Brazil in 1630 and took over the northeast region.  When Mauricio de Nassau took control between 1637 & 1644 there was relative peace under the dutch control. Although the Dutch had taken over,  he had a lot of support from Brazilians and he really modernized Recife & cared about Brazil. He is the reason why there are so many bridges in Recife.  He had a tolerance for the jews, and many of them escaped from Europe and came to Brazil to avoid the persecution they were receiving there.   Mauricio de Nassau had to return to Holland in 1645 and it was after he governed that Brazil took back the area from the Dutch in 1654. Because of the Holland invasion in the northeast is the reason why we see so many african people with blue eyes. It is due of the mixing of the races here.

This synagogue functioned until the 20th century when it was torn down. After some archeological excavation it was reopened in 2001. 

There are currently 4 synagogues in Recife. 

All of the men in our group wore the Jewish Cap as a sign of respect.