Nidhe Israel Synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Nidhe Israel Synagogue is a place of worship with white walls and large windows that blend Caribbean architecture with Jewish design traditions. The site includes a museum displaying objects that document the community's history on the island.
The synagogue was founded in 1654 by Sephardic Jews who came from Recife, Brazil. After a hurricane damaged it in 1831, the building was reconstructed in 1833 and took on its current form.
The synagogue reflects how the Jewish community shaped daily life and commerce in Bridgetown over many generations. Walking through the space shows how this connection to the island's society remains visible today.
You can explore the site during daytime hours, with weekdays being the best time when both the museum and sanctuary are open. It is easy to walk through the different areas, and staff on-site can answer questions as you visit.
Archaeologists discovered a ritual bath from the 17th century during excavations in 2008, showing how deeply religious practices were rooted in the site's history. This finding helped establish the location as a World Heritage property.
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