Jersey

Information

CJC Vice President: Martha Bernstein

Community Organisation: Jersey Jewish Congregation

Demography

There are only approximately 50 Jews living in Jersey now, with an average age of 70, the majority (especially young) having left.

History

The history of the Jews in Jersey is intertwined with all the Channel Islands.

Althought there is no record of it, the first Jewish people in the Channel Islands were probably from the Medieval era. The proximity to France meant that the islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy, where there was a significant Jewish population, especially in Rouen. It is believed that Medieval Jewry originated from Rouen.

The first records show that Jews were living in Jersey in the 1790s. The Old Hebrew Congregation was founded in 1843 but dissolved in 1870 due to lack of numbers.

During WW2, Jersey was occupied by the Nazis and the same restrictions were placed on the 30 remaining Jews as in mainland koccupied Europe. Most of these Jews were evenutually rounded up and transported to Auschwitz, or sent to a slave labour camp on the Channel  Island of Alderney.

Many survivors returned to Jersey post-war. In 1960, a new congregation was established and the synagogue was re-consecrated in 1972.

The community peaked during the 1960s/70s to 80-120 people in a population of less than 100,000, as Jersey beame a tax haven for businessmen and professionals.

Since 2000, numbers have risen and slumped in waves, but the community remains vibrant and resilient.

Community Life

Kashrut

Kosher food is imported in.

Education

Youth

Affiliations

Commonwealth Jewish Council