Holding On To Heritage: Jewish Synagogue

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is the only synagogue located in Bridgetown (the capital) of Barbados and is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western hemisphere. The synagogue is proudly a Barbados National Trust property and was originally built in 1654 by the Jews who came from Brazil to pass on their expertise in the sugar industry. Later it was destroyed by a hurricane and was rebuilt, restored and is now an active synagogue. The present synagogue combines Jewish, Gothic Renaissance and Barbadian architectural features and adjacent to the synagogue is the 17th century cemetery. This building stands amongst what is recognized as one of the first major Jewish communities in the Americas. If you are interested in observing Jewish life in Barbados, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue invite visitors and locals alike to attend the Shabbat Services starting December 9th at 7.30 PM. For more information feel free to contact the Synagogue at (246) 436-6869.

Also, accompanied along side the synagogue is an interactive and very well presented museum which displays the history of the Jewish community in Barbados from the time of the extrusion of the Jews from Brazil in the mid 1600's to present day.  

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue is open from Monday to Friday, 9AM - 3 PM. The entrance to the Synagogue itself is free of charge and the admission to the museum is as follows:  

• Adults: $12.50 USD per person
• Children: $6.00 USD per person (5YRS-12YRS)
• Children Under 5 YRS: Free