Bern Jewish & Kosher Guide 2025: Kosher Info in Bern, Switzerland

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Are you Looking for Kosher Eatery or Jewish POI near you?

About Bern

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is built around a crook in the Aare River. It traces its origins back to the 12th century, with medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town). The Swiss Parliament and diplomats meet in the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace). St. Lambertus Church and Castle Tower both date to the 13th century. With a population of 141,098 (March 2016), Bern is the fourth most populous city in Switzerland. No archaeological evidence that indicates a settlement on the site of today′s city centre prior to the 12th century has been found so far. Bern lies on the Swiss plateau in the Canton of Bern, slightly west of the centre of Switzerland and 20 km (12 mi) north of the Bernese Alps. The climate produces cold snowy winters and warm wet summers.

The Best Of Bern

Are you a Bern Kosher establishment or tour operator?

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Bern

There is one synagogue in Bern plus a kosher store, both situated in the Rothes Quarter of the city. Berne used to have a Jewish community during the middle ages. However, after various pogroms all Jews were driven out of Berne by 1427. An important role was played by the legendary ritual murderer, Rudolf of Berne, who died around 1294 and was honored in Berne Cathedral as a martyr. The Jewish Community Berne (German: Jüdische Gemeinde Bern, JGB) is the officially recognized religious community for Jews in and around Berne, founded in 1848 by Jews originating from Alsace. The community’s center is the Berne Synagogue at Kapellenstrasse 2. It was inaugurated in 1906 and extended with an adjacent community building in 1971. The position of Rabbi has been held by David Polnauer since April 2007. He was born in Hungary in 1954.


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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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