Charles Knowles
Charles Knowles

Kosher and Jewish Life in Boise

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Boise. 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 Boise, Idaho.

About Boise

Although the exact origin is disputed, the name "Boise" (pronounced boy-SEE) is unquestionably derived from the French "boisé," or "wooded." The name is a reference to the tree-lined Boise River which passes through the heart of the city. To this day the city takes its "City of Trees" moniker very seriously. Boise started its life as Fort Boise, a U.S. Army installation located at a strategic junction on the Oregon Trail between what were then the major settlements in southern Idaho Territory, the mining camps of Silver City to the south and Idaho City to the northeast. Boise is the starting point for many outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking. There are also museums, art galleries, theatres and summer festivals. Its estimated population in 2013 was 214,237. Boise experiences hot and dry summers. Winters are moderately cold.

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Boise

The first identifiable Jew to have set foot in Idaho was J.D. Farmer, who braved a gold-rush trail from Boise to Call's Fort in January 1864, a month after Idaho was officially declared a territory. A handful of permanent Jewish settlers lived in Boise after 1865 and in Hailey after 1881, when both places were little more than raw mining camps. The Jewish population was never large, but maintained 3 synagogues, these days all minyanim use just the one synagogue building the Ahavath Beth Israel in west Boise, this still in its original 1896 building, though not on the original site, it was moved nearly 3 miles in 2003, there is also a campus on the same site. The Jewish population is thought to be about 1500.

Weather In Boise

31 Mar

Shabbat Candlelighting Times for Loading...

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!