The Bahamas

Information

CJC Vice President: Currently vacant

Community Organisation: United Bahamas Hebrew Congregation

                                                               The Nassau Jewish Congregation is affiliated to the Union of Jewish Congregations of                                                                  Latin America and the Caribbean.

Demography

The Jewish population of Bahamas is approximately 200.

History

Luis De Torres, interpreter for Christopher Columbus, was the first Jew to reach the New World in 1492.

When The Bahamas came under British rule in 1620, there were a few Jewish residents.

After WW1, immigrants from Poland, Russia, and the United Kingdom settled in Nassau and Freeport.

Community Life

There are 2 synagogues in The Bahamas serving a Conservative congregation in Nassau, and  Reform one in Freeport. Both are joined under the umbrella of the United Bahamas Hebrew Congregation.

There is a walled off section in a cemetery in New Providence Island, Nassau, for Jewish use.

There is a Chabad presence at the Baha Mar Resort, Cable Beach, which pre-covid had a minyan every Shabbat.

Kashrut

Kosher food is available in local supermarkets.

Education

The Samantha and Sarah Nadal Hebrew School runs courses for children aged 5-13.

Affiliations

Commonwealth Jewish Council

World Jewish Congress