Morocco is known for its Jewish heritage and the abundance of rich culture, artifacts, and traditions left behind when the Jews left Morocco in the 1960s. What remains is a rich catalog of Jewish life inclusive of architecture, monuments, zaouias, museums, mellahs, shrines, and craft traditions that command great cultural significance.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism of Casablanca is a museum of history and ethnography, created by the Jewish Community of Casablanca in 1997 with the support of the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is in a residential neighborhood called Oasis and holds a treasure trove with it being the Arab region’s only Jewish Museum. It uses world-class standards of conservation for its national and international collections.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism presents religious, ethnographic, and artistic objects that demonstrate the history, religion, traditions, and daily life of Jews in the context of Moroccan civilization. It seeks to build understanding of the evolution of Moroccan Jewish culture and the place of Jews in Moroccan society. The Museum collaborates with the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Heritage to sponsor workshops, community discussions, and academic presentations. It also receives support from the Association of the Friends of the Moroccan Jewish Museum.
The Jewish Museum in Casablanca covers an area of 700 square meters and is the first of its kind in the Arab world. The museum was founded by Simon Levy, Serge Berdugo, and Boris Toledano. The museum’s curator, Zhor Rehihil, is a Muslim woman with a Ph.D. in Jewish studies.
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism of Casablanca was created by the foundation of Judeo-Moroccan Cultural Heritage in 1995 and opened its doors in 1997. Its permanent collection, constantly enriched by new acquisitions, renders a few parts of the daily life of Moroccan Jews of different regions. The museum demonstrates the remarkable Jewish community and their high level of strata, wisdom, and knowledge.
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The permanent exhibition focuses on religious items, such as:
- Torah scrolls and ornaments
- Synagogue lamps
- Bar mitzvah bags
- Hanukkah lamps
- Purim scrolls
- Circumcision chairs
- Synagogue bima
The Jewish Museum houses scriptures, objects of worship, tools of arts and crafts, old books, and a history of the traditional costumes worn. These Jewish artifacts illuminate to Moroccan travelers how Jews lived. The artifacts also show the connective cultural traditions between Jewish Moroccans and the Berbers. Many of the items featured in the Jewish Museum’s jewelry and craft collection are tribal.
The Museum has an active roster of exhibitions, a permanent collection, and a Jewish library which make it an important part of Moroccan history available to Morocco travelers and Jewish travelers interested in understanding Morocco’s Jewish past.
The American Legation Museum is in the Legation building, which was given to the US government by the Sultan in 1821. It was one of the first overseas building owned by the US government. The Legation is the only US National Historic Landmark outside the 50 states and territories. The Museum’s collection includes Sephardic Jewish costumes and documents dealing with the history of Jews in Morocco.
The Heritage of Moroccan Jews
The Oudayas Museum and Gardens became the National Jewelry Museum. It includes jewelry that reflects Jewish Moroccan culture. This museum, located in Bouknadel between Sale and Mehdia, celebrates the range of ethnic groups and religions that make up Moroccan civilization and identity.
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Distribution of the Jewish community in Morocco.
Visiting the Museum
Moroccan Jewish Heritage sites are well appointed in the Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Coastal Essaouira making them key cities to visit when touring Morocco. The synagogues, mellahs, and cemeteries in Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira in particular hold a special place in the hearts of many Moroccan Jews throughout the world. Many Jews currently living in Israel, Canada, and the United States are originally Moroccan by birth and return on vacation to visit Jewish Heritage sites or as an homage to revisit their past home. Moroccan Jews traveling to Morocco often visit shrines or places they or their family once lived.
Here are some practical tips for planning your visit:
- Location: The museum is located slightly off the city center. Taxis are a convenient option from most parts of Casablanca.
- Tickets & Entry: The entrance fee is MAD 50.00 per person. It's recommended to confirm pricing upon arrival as it can be subject to change.
- Timing: Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly.
- Comfort: The museum does not have air conditioning, which can make it quite warm, especially on hot days.
The Jewish Museum has an active roster of exhibitions, a permanent collection and Jewish library which make it an important part of Moroccan history available to Morocco travelers and Jewish travelers interested in understanding Morocco’s Jewish past.
Visitors praise the Museum of Moroccan Judaism for its insightful look into the Jewish community's history and culture, highlighting its fine artifacts, photos, and religious items. While small and lacking AC, it's considered a worthwhile visit for its unique historical window and the spirit of coexistence it represents.
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The museum also hosts university students for aiding in research on Moroccan Jewish identity and heritage. Despite only being home to 2,000 Jewish people today, Casablanca continues to feel the importance of Judaism in their culture. This museum, along with Mohamed VI's Jewish Heritage program, shows how Casablanca continues to work toward acceptance of Jewish people. Many of them faced persecution in Morocco, but Casablanca continued to be known as a very tolerant place.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Insights
When planning your visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, keep in mind that it is a small museum and can become quite warm, as it lacks air conditioning. This is a crucial point for visitors, especially those traveling during hotter months. To make your experience more comfortable, it's highly recommended to visit during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons.
The museum's size means that most visitors can comfortably explore its exhibits within 30 minutes to an hour. While compact, the displays are rich with historical information and artifacts. Be prepared for the entrance fee, which is typically MAD 50.00. Additionally, some visitors have noted a polite request for a donation upon exiting, which is a common practice in some cultural sites.
Location-wise, the museum is situated slightly off the city center. While this might require a short taxi ride, many find the journey worthwhile for the unique historical insights it provides. It's a good idea to have the address handy for your taxi driver.
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