Barbados

Information

Demography

The Jewish population of Barbados is approximately 100, concentrated in Bridgetown. It is predominantly Ashkenazi and comprises mainly of senior and middle-aged members, although more recently, families with young children have started to settle.

History

The history of Jewish settlement dates back to 1628 with Spanish and Portuguese conversos.

In 1654, a community developed in Bridgetown and the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, was built. A further congregation was established in Speightstown. The community was Sephardic and at its peak in 1750, numbered 800 – comprising 4% of the white population of Barbados.

The community was an integral part of the sugar industry.

Barbados was the first British Territory where Jews had full political rights.

In 1831, many emigrated to the USA following mass destruction from a hurricane, and in the early 19th century, the cane sugar economy in Barbados collapsed. This resulted in further emigration, so that by 1925, there was no Jewish population and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue was deconsecrated and sold. 

With the rise of Nazism, Moses Altman was the first of 40 refugees to flee Europe for Barbados. This was the start of re-settlement of Jews on the island. 

In 1987, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue wa reconsecrated and the cemetery and mikveh in Bridgetown were restored.

Community Life

There are 2 synagogues in Bridgetown, both serving Conervative congregations. The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the larger of the 2, and is open in the winter to serve the community and tourists. The smaller Shaare Tzedek Synagogue is open during the 'off-season' for tourists and cruise ships. it is also open for the major High Holidays.

Friday night Shabbat services are run, led by a community member as there is no resident rabbi. A rabbi visits during the winter season when Jewish life becomes busier with tourists. A chazzan visits to lead the services for the High Holidays.

All Jewish life is operated through the synagogues.

Affiliations

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress