Casablanca, Morocco
Museum for Jewish cultures in Casablanca, Morocco
The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, in the residential Oasis district of southern Casablanca, was founded in 1997 by the Foundation of Moroccan Jewish Cultural Heritage and became the first museum devoted to Jewish history and culture in the Arab world. It occupies a building that opened in 1948 as a Jewish orphanage housing up to 160 children; restored as a museum, it was reopened after renovation by King Mohammed VI on 20 December 2016. It highlights the history of Morocco's Jewish communities, among the oldest in the country, and their contribution to Moroccan social, economic and cultural life over the centuries, in cities, mellahs and Atlas villages, as part of the country's diverse fabric. Among its founders was Simon Lévy, a university professor and campaigner for independence and human rights, and since 2002 its curator has been the Moroccan scholar Zhor Rehihil. The displays include ritual objects and silverwork, a reading platform from Casablanca's Beni-Issakhar synagogue dating to around 1944, manuscripts, traditional costume, Amazigh and Jewish jewellery including khamsa pendants, photographs of craftsmen and families, and a reconstructed small synagogue.
It is small and quiet; an hour is enough. It is in a residential area in the south of the city, so a taxi is easiest, and bags may be checked at the entrance. Check opening days and hours before going; it is usually closed on Saturdays. It is a place of cultural and religious heritage, so visit quietly and respectfully.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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