Morocco’s ancient Synagogue reborn as heritage site

A historic synagogue in Morocco, dating back to 1824, has been officially designated as a state heritage site, marking a significant step in preserving the country’s Jewish legacy. Located in the coastal town of Asilah, Kahal Synagogue had fallen into disrepair over the decades until Aaron Abikzer, vice-president of the Tangier Jewish Community, teamed up with locals to spearhead its revival.

After years of effort, the structure has been painstakingly restored to its original glory, with every detail—from the pews to the wall designs—recreated based on historical sketches provided by community members. “We asked for these places to become state monuments, and after two years, we received news that the Minister of Culture has registered these three sites as state heritage. I’m very happy,” Abikzer shared with Africa News.

Sonia Cohen Toledano, who manages cultural heritage for the Tangier Jewish Community, played a vital role in outfitting the synagogue with artifacts salvaged from shuttered synagogues. “For years I kept religious objects from various synagogues that had been closed. With that, I was able to fill the synagogue,” she said, noting that even the carpets were vintage pieces donated by families and repurposed for the space.

The restored synagogue now houses a collection of preserved religious items, photographs, and marriage certificates that trace the deep roots of Jewish life in Asilah. Upstairs, artisans have meticulously rebuilt two steam rooms, complete with traditional domed ceilings and intricately carved wooden doors, reflecting Moroccan-Jewish craftsmanship.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the restoration is the synagogue’s mikveh, featuring two intact basins and the original furnace, brought back to life after years of neglect. This achievement stands against the backdrop of Morocco’s shrinking Jewish population, which once numbered 300,000 in the 1950s but has dwindled to around 5,000 today.

The recognition of Kahal Synagogue as a heritage site not only honors its past but also ensures its story endures for future generations.