Historic Synagogue Justo Sierra 71, Jewish synagogue and museum in Centro Historico, Mexico
The Nidjei Israel Synagogue at Justo Sierra 71 features traditional religious elements including stained glass windows and wooden details reflecting Jewish architectural heritage. The space preserves these crafted details while serving both as a prayer space and museum.
Completed in 1941, Nidjei Israel was the first Ashkenazi synagogue founded in Mexico City, built for Orthodox immigrants from Poland, Russia and Lithuania in La Merced. It served as a ceremonial, study and community centre until the mid-1960s, then stood closed for over three decades before reopening on 13 December 2009.
The synagogue functions as both an active prayer space and museum, with displays telling the story of Jewish life in Mexico. Visitors can observe religious practices and cultural traditions of the community.
The building spans numbers 71 and 73 on Justo Sierra street in the Centro Histórico, a few blocks from the Zócalo. It reopened to the public in 2009 and receives visitors through guided tours; the community runs these activities to spread knowledge of the space and Jewish culture without profit. As it is a working Orthodox congregation, dress modestly and keep quiet during prayer.
The carved wooden bimah in the centre, in the Ashkenazi arrangement, is described by Mónica Unikel-Fasja as the most elaborate of those existing in Mexico; its cut glass shows a drum, harp, zither and lute alongside the Star of David and the four species.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,781 contributors worldwide.
