(Jewish Group) A walk through 500 years of Jewish Mexico
A stroll through “500 years of Jewish Mexico City” sounded a little challenging at first. But here we are, on a sunny afternoon, awed by the beautifully restored 1930s Ashkenazic synagogue called Nidjei Israel, which was once the jewel in the crown of a Mexican-Jewish community with roots in the Baltics and eastern Europe.
This architectural wonder opens a door into Mexico’s Jewish history. Giant photos of weddings and other events that have been celebrated within these walls grace the ground floor, the ceiling glows with colourful designs and the ladies’ gallery hosts travelling exhibits.
After the Ashkenazim found new homes in the suburbs, settling in the city’s north and west, this shul fell into disrepair. Then, in 2009, a meticulous restoration spearheaded by the local Jewish community revealed the newly named Historic Synagogue in all its splendour. Today it functions as a community centre that’s open to all and forms “a cultural bridge between Catholic and Jewish Mexicans,” says our guide, Carlos Sanchez. A wide variety of cultural events are held here, including the occasional holiday service.
Besides its sparkling beauty, the Historic Synagogue makes a powerful statement in a country where, for centuries, Judaism could only be practised in utmost secrecy.
more...
= new reply since forum marked as read
