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Kosher and Jewish Life in Morocco
TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Morocco. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Morocco, Africa.
*JOFY - Jewish Observant Friendly, not necesessarily kosher.
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About Morocco
Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and metal lanterns. The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century royal fort overlooking the water. The area of present-day Morocco has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, sometime between 190,000 and 90,000 BC. Morocco later became a realm of the North African civilisation of ancient Carthage as part of its empire. The Muslim conquest of the Maghreb, was achieved between the 7th and early 8th Centuries. It brought both the Arabic language and Islam to the area. Morocco has a coast by the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with three small Spanish-controlled exclaves, Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera), Algeria to the east, and Western Sahara to the south. Since Morocco controls most of Western Sahara, its de facto southern boundary is with Mauritania. The country's Mediterranean climate is similar to that of southern California, with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country, giving way to dryer conditions and inland deserts further southeast. The Moroccan coastal plains experience remarkably moderate temperatures even in summer, owing to the effect of the cold Canary Current off its Atlantic coast. Tourism is increasingly focused on Morocco's culture, such as its ancient cities. The modern tourist industry capitalises on Morocco's ancient Roman and Islamic sites, and on its landscape and cultural history. 60% of Morocco's tourists visit for its culture and heritage. Agadir on the coast is a base for tours to the Atlas Mountains. Other resorts in north Morocco are also very popular. Casablanca is the major cruise port in Morocco, Marrakech in central Morocco is a popular tourist destination for one- and two-day excursions that provide a taste of Morocco's history and culture.
Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Morocco
The Jews of Morocco represent a remnant of an ancient, thriving community that numbered more than a quarter of a million in 1956. Today the largest community is in Casablanca, home to 5,000 Jews. There are small Jewish communities in Rabat (400), Marrakesh (250), Meknes (250), Tangier (150), Fez (150), and Tetuan (100). The Jews are generally descended from three different groups: Sephardim, Berber Jews, and Ashkenazim.
The Jewish community of present-day Morocco dates back more than 2,000 years. There were Jewish colonies in the country before it became a Roman province. In 1391 a wave of Jewish refugees expelled from Spain brought new life to the community, as did new arrivals from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and 1497. From 1438, the Jews of Fez were forced to live in special quarters called mellahs, a name derived from the Arabic word for salt because the Jews in Morocco were forced to carry out the job of salting the heads of executed prisoners prior to their public display. The condition of the Jews did not improve until the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1912, when they were given equality and religious autonomy. However, during World War II, when France was ruled by the anti-Semitic Vichy government, King Muhammed V prevented the deportation of Jews from Morocco. By 1948 there were some 270,000 Jews in Morocco. In an atmosphere of uncertainty and grinding poverty, many Jews elected to leave for Israel, France, the United States, and Canada.
There are synagogues, mikvaot, old-age homes, and kosher restaurants in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Mogador, Rabat, Tetuan and Tangier. The Jewish community developed a fascinating tradition of rituals and pilgrimages to the tombs of holy sages. There are 13 such famous sites, centuries old, well kept by Muslims. Every year on special dates, crowds of Moroccan Jews from around the world, including Israel, throng to these graves. A unique Moroccan festival, the Mimunah, is celebrated in Morocco and in Israel.
Not long after signing the Abraham Accords, which enclosed the normalization between the State of Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the American government has announced The Israeli-Morocco normalization agreement on December 10 2020.
On December 22, 2020, a joint declaration was signed pledging to quickly begin direct flights, promote economic cooperation, reopen liaison offices and move toward "full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations." Morocco officially recognized Israel in its communication to the Israeli Prime Minister.
This has led to many kosher travel initiatives, including Shavuot programs in Morocco, Kosher Summer Vacations in Morocco, Winter Sun Vacations in Morocco and Passover Programs in Morocco. These are all open for direct flights from Israel and visits of Israeli Passport holders, without any special requirements.
Check out our blog post, What Makes Morocco So Popular Among Kosher Travelers?, to help you plan your kosher vacation to Morocco, from Casablanca to Marrakesh.
The Jewish community of present-day Morocco dates back more than 2,000 years. There were Jewish colonies in the country before it became a Roman province. In 1391 a wave of Jewish refugees expelled from Spain brought new life to the community, as did new arrivals from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and 1497. From 1438, the Jews of Fez were forced to live in special quarters called mellahs, a name derived from the Arabic word for salt because the Jews in Morocco were forced to carry out the job of salting the heads of executed prisoners prior to their public display. The condition of the Jews did not improve until the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1912, when they were given equality and religious autonomy. However, during World War II, when France was ruled by the anti-Semitic Vichy government, King Muhammed V prevented the deportation of Jews from Morocco. By 1948 there were some 270,000 Jews in Morocco. In an atmosphere of uncertainty and grinding poverty, many Jews elected to leave for Israel, France, the United States, and Canada.
There are synagogues, mikvaot, old-age homes, and kosher restaurants in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Mogador, Rabat, Tetuan and Tangier. The Jewish community developed a fascinating tradition of rituals and pilgrimages to the tombs of holy sages. There are 13 such famous sites, centuries old, well kept by Muslims. Every year on special dates, crowds of Moroccan Jews from around the world, including Israel, throng to these graves. A unique Moroccan festival, the Mimunah, is celebrated in Morocco and in Israel.
Not long after signing the Abraham Accords, which enclosed the normalization between the State of Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the American government has announced The Israeli-Morocco normalization agreement on December 10 2020.
On December 22, 2020, a joint declaration was signed pledging to quickly begin direct flights, promote economic cooperation, reopen liaison offices and move toward "full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations." Morocco officially recognized Israel in its communication to the Israeli Prime Minister.
This has led to many kosher travel initiatives, including Shavuot programs in Morocco, Kosher Summer Vacations in Morocco, Winter Sun Vacations in Morocco and Passover Programs in Morocco. These are all open for direct flights from Israel and visits of Israeli Passport holders, without any special requirements.
Check out our blog post, What Makes Morocco So Popular Among Kosher Travelers?, to help you plan your kosher vacation to Morocco, from Casablanca to Marrakesh.
Morocco
Please note:
Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset. If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us
What Is *JOFY?
JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.
Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!
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