Beth Israel Synagogue (Oranjestad, Aruba)

Beth Israel Synagogue
The synagogue in 2019
Religion
AffiliationReform Judaism
Rite
Ecclesiastical or organisational statusSynagogue
LeadershipRabbi Alberto (Baruch) Zeilicovich
StatusActive
Location
LocationAdriaan Laclé Boulevard 2, Oranjestad
CountryAruba
Beth Israel Synagogue (Oranjestad, Aruba) is located in Aruba
Beth Israel Synagogue (Oranjestad, Aruba)
Location of the synagogue in Aruba
Geographic coordinates12°30′47″N 70°01′49″W / 12.5130°N 70.0303°W / 12.5130; -70.0303
Architecture
TypeSynagogue architecture
Date establishedDecember 1, 1956 (as a congregation)
Completed1962
MaterialsBrick
Website
bethisraelaruba.com

The Beth Israel Synagogue is a Progressive Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at Adriaan Laclé Boulevard 2, in Oranjestad, Aruba. Established as a congregation in 1956, the synagogue was completed in 1962. The Aruban Jewish community is an independent congregation with a liberal style similar to Reform or Conservative Judaism.[1]

The rabbi, since September 2022, is Rabbi Alberto (Baruch) Zeilicovich.[2]

Community

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The community consists mostly of Jewish immigrants that arrived in Aruba from different parts of the world, and made it their home. After 1924, a large group of Eastern European Jews, mostly from Poland, settled here, together with Jews from the Netherlands and Sephardic families from Suriname, another Dutch colony at that time. The community opened a Jewish center in 1942 – the Jewish Country Club – and four years later, with the arrival of some Holocaust survivors, the community was officially organized.[2]

Today, there are about 75 members, plus 180 overseas members. Due to its small size, and the intimate, close knit nature of the community, one joint organization was formed, blending the Sephardic with the Ashkenazic traditions, respecting the common culture, and enjoying the differences.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ According to Haruth Communications and the UJCL
  2. ^ a b Fellner, Dan (March 19, 2023). "Aruba's new rabbi comes out of retirement to lead a congregation in 'paradise'". The Times of Israel. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  3. ^ Scheib, Ariel (n.d.). "Aruba Virtual Jewish History Tour". Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
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