- Background and Jewish life in Morocco
- How the 2020 normalization agreement is changing the atmosphere
- What makes a kosher program in Morocco so different from other places?
- Some essential information for the kosher FIT tourist - kosher hotels & restaurants
Jewish life in Morocco (Photo credit: Shutterstock)
Background and Jewish Life in Morocco
Many Jews travel to Morocco to discover the long and rich Jewish history of the country. Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. The Jewish community in Morocco dates back between 2000 and 2500 years. The Jews enjoyed periods of Jewish tolerance followed by persecution by a radical Muslim dynasty. The city of Fez briefly served as Maimonides home in the 12th century before he fled to escape persecution. The stone home that he lived in at that time still stands today. Over the centuries, the Jews enjoyed times of peace and Morocco was home to many rabbis.
In 1948, Morocco was home to some 265,000 Jews, making it the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. After the State of Israel was established, there was rioting against the Jewish community which led to the Jews fleeing the country. In 1961, Israel initiated Operation Yachin to aid the Moroccan Jewish immigration to Israel. There are only around 3,000 Jews living in Morocco today, the largest Jewish community is in Casablanca. There are much smaller Jewish communities in Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes, Tangier, Fez, and Tetuan.
Slat El Kahal Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of Essaouira (Photo: Elfathiamine, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
There were synagogues, mikvahs, old-age homes, and kosher restaurants in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Mogador, Rabat, Tetuan and Tangier. Moroccan Jews have a very strong link to the country and continue to return for visits and pilgrimages to the tombs of holy sages. There are famous Jewish heritage sights visited on these pilgrimages, many of them centuries old. Every year on special dates, crowds of Moroccan Jews from around the world, including Israel, throng to these graves. Pilgrimage sites include the tombs of Morocco’s great rabbis such as Rabbi Yehuda Benatar (Fez), Rabbi Chaim Pinto (Mogador), Rabbi Amram Ben Diwane (Ouezzane) and Rabbi Yahia Lakhdar (Ben-Ahmed).
There were synagogues, mikvahs, old-age homes, and kosher restaurants in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Mogador, Rabat, Tetuan and Tangier. Moroccan Jews have a very strong link to the country and continue to return for visits and pilgrimages to the tombs of holy sages. There are famous Jewish heritage sights visited on these pilgrimages, many of them centuries old. Every year on special dates, crowds of Moroccan Jews from around the world, including Israel, throng to these graves. Pilgrimage sites include the tombs of Morocco’s great rabbis such as Rabbi Yehuda Benatar (Fez), Rabbi Chaim Pinto (Mogador), Rabbi Amram Ben Diwane (Ouezzane) and Rabbi Yahia Lakhdar (Ben-Ahmed).
The Israeli-Morocco normalization agreement was announced 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.
The popularity of kosher programs in Morocco started even before the signing of the Abraham Accords, going back 6 years ago. Among the reasons are the comfortable weather, the high level of hospitality and service, the attractive costs and quality of local products and the beautiful beaches and friendly staff.
Traditional Moroccan food (Envato)
Casablanca
Bagel Bar: Dairy restaurant and pizza
Cercle de L’alliance: Traditional Moroccan Mediterranean meat restaurant
Cercle de L’Union: Meat restaurant and catering located in the heart of the Golden Triangle
Chabad Casablanca Shabbat Meals: Advance registration required
Chez Michel: Meat restaurant in side the CCJC
Chez Michel: Meat restaurant in side the CCJC
Le Chandelier: Dairy breakfast; meat lunch and dinner; Shabbat meals with advance reservation. Under the supervision of orthodox union (OU USA) Glatt Kosher Lemehadrin meat meals and Halav Israel dairy meals
Madame Fhal Bakery: Fresh breads, cakes and pastries
Restaurant du SOC - Chez David: Meat restaurant
Restaurant du SOC - Chez David: Meat restaurant
Wasabi Asian Restaurant: Sushi, meat and vegetarian dishes
Marrakesh
Al Dente: Dairy restaurant
First Grill Marrakech: Meat restaurant inside the Hotel Kenzi Rose Garden
Wasabi: Asian restaurant serving sushi, vegetarian and meat dishes
First Grill Marrakech: Meat restaurant inside the Hotel Kenzi Rose Garden
Wasabi: Asian restaurant serving sushi, vegetarian and meat dishes
Fes (Fez)
Dragon Kosher Restaurant: Dairy breakfast; meat lunch and dinner; Shabbat meals with advance reservation. Under the supervision of orthodox union (OU USA) Glatt Kosher Lemehadrin meat meals and Halav Israel dairy meals
Rabat
Le Cercle Rabat: Meat restaurant
Aban Danan Synagogue in Fes. (Photo: TomiValny, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Kosher Hotels in Morocco: There are no kosher hotels in Morocco but there are hotels within walking distance of the Chabad House or local synagogues.
Casablanca
Barcelo Anfa Casablanca: 15-minute walk from the Chabad House
Barcelo Casablanca: 10-minute walk from the Chabad House
Gray Boutique Hotel and Spa: 5-minute walk from the Chabad House
Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa: 10-minute walk from the Chabad House & 15 minutes from Synagogue Beth El
Kenzi Tower Hotel Casablanca: 15-minute walk from the Chabad House
Le Casablanca Hotel: 5-minute walk from the Chabad House
Le Palace D'anfa Casablanca: 5-minute walk from the Chabad House and home to Le Chandelier kosher restaurant
Onomo Hotel Casablanca: 7-minute walk from the Chabad House
Marrakesh
Riad Azoulay: 2-minute walk from the Slat Al Azama Synagogue
Riad Dar Anika: 2-minute walk from the Al Azama Synagogue
Riad Noos Noos:2-minute walk from the Slat Al Azama Synagogue and the Derb Manchoura Synagogue
Tangier
Hotel Rembrandt: 2-minute walk from Synagogue de Tanger
Fes
Palais Medina & Spa: Home to the Dragon kosher restaurant
Morocco has a rich Jewish history, making it a very popular vacation destination. There are well established and wide variety of kosher vacation programs operating in Morocco for over a decade, including Pesach, Sukkot, summer and winter kosher programs. It is a beautiful country with many cultural and Jewish heritage sights to visit. Visit the Jewish museums, ancient synagogues and cemeteries found in cities throughout the country. Follow this guide to help you find kosher restaurants and hotels conveniently located near the local Chabad House or synagogues. Be sure to visit our complete guide to kosher and Jewish life in Morocco.