Jamaica

Information

Demography

Although only about 200 in number, the Jamaican Jewish community is vibrant.

The majority is located in Kingston - both Ashkenazi and Sephardi, whilst a smaller congregation run by Chabad, is in Montego Bay.

There are however approximately 400,000 Jamaicans of Sephardic descent.

History

Jamaican Jewry has a colourful history dating back to the pirates in the 16th century. There are many gravestones in the Hunts Bay cemetery (oldest Jewish cemetery in Jamaica) that have the skull and crossbones engraved on them. Moses Cohen Henriques led the only successful capture of a Spanish treasure fleet. Abraham Blauvelt was also beleived to be a pirate.

Portuguese Jews fled to Jamaica in 1530 during the Iberian Inquisition. The Inquisition could not operate in a colony, so Jews were safe to practice, but did so in secret.

In 1665, Jamaica came under British rule. Jews were able to practice openly and were granted citizenship. This resulted in immigration from South American countries and the United Kingdom. But in 1671 there was a rise in antisemitism, leading to anti-Jewish measures such as taxes and 2nd class citizenship. Jews were also prohited from taking public office.

However, Jewish life continued to thrive, and Jews contributed to the sugar and vanilla industries, shipping, trade and culture.

The first synagogue was built in Port Royal in 1692. Jewish schools and markets were also established.

By 1720, 18% of the Jamaican population was Jewish.

Jamaican Jews were granted full political rights in 1831, which was before Jews in Britain.

Jews were such an integral part of  19th century society, that in 1849, the House of Assembly (Parliament) did not sit on Yom Kippur. Eight members of the House were Jewish at the time.

Immigrants settled from Egypt, Germany and Syria at the start of the 20th century. They assimilated so well that Jewish practice diminished. As prosperity decreased at the same time, many of the Jewish population left for the United Kingdom and USA.

In 1921, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi synagogues merged to form the Shaare Shalom.

During the Holocaust, 1,400 Polish and Dutch refugees arrived. The American Joint Jewish Distribution Committee lobbied the British to accomodate them, and offered to cover all the costs. However, the refugees were interned in a camp in Gibraltar for the duration of the war, following which, most migrated to Holland, South America, the UK and USA.

Jamaica gained independence in 1962 which led to political unrest, causing more of the Jewish population to leave.

Community Life

The Shaare Shalom Synagogue (Progressive) is the only one on the island.

The community is a mix of Spanish and Portuguese Sephardi, and Ashkenazi from the UK - Reform/Liberal and US -Reform.

Regular services are run for midweek shacharit, Friday night Shabbat, and the High Holidays.

The synagogue hosts as annual Seder  for members and non-members.

Social events are scheduled annually on Chanukah.

Jamica has a Jewish care home for the elderly.

The UCIJA Tikkun Olam supports staff at a school, maintains the Jewish cemetery and runs assisted living for the elderly.

The Neveh Shalom Institute protects historical Jewish remains.

Kashrut

Kosher food is available from Chabad in Montego Bay.

Education

The UCIJA runs a day school for primary and secondary school age as well as a Cheder and online Hebrew classes.

There is a Bnei Mitzvah programme for pre- bar and bat mitzvah children.

Media

There is no official Jewish media, although the synagogue has a monthly newsletter.

Affiliations

B'nai B'rith

Commonwealth Jewish Council

WIZO

World Jewish Congress