Morocco Jewish Heritage 8 Days Tour – Morocco Tours

Casablanca’s rich Jewish heritage is evident in its over 20 synagogues and vibrant Jewish neighborhoods. Your tour will include visits to the city’s historic synagogues: Temple Beth-El, Temple Em Habanim, and Temple Neve Shalom. You’ll also explore the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, a unique institution in the Arab world, and wander through the Jewish Mellah and cemetery. At Temple Beth-El, you’ll be captivated by the stained glass windows, biblical inscriptions, and grand chandeliers. This architectural jewel serves as a focal point for the city’s Jewish community, which now numbers over 5,000, actively practicing their faith across numerous synagogues and enjoying kosher cuisine. Venture into the Mellah, a historic Jewish quarter where, despite the absence of Jewish residents, the legacy continues with kosher butchers and a well-preserved cemetery. The annual hiloula at the tomb of the saint Eliahou is a significant event here. You’ll also have the chance to admire the restored Temple Neve Chalom and the active Temple Em Habanim. After a midday meal, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism awaits, offering insights into the Jewish experience in the Arab world. Originally a Jewish orphanage, this museum has been a beacon of history and culture since its establishment in 1997 and renovation in 2013. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Rabat, where you’ll spend the night in the comfort of a charming riad. Safe travels and enjoy your journey through Morocco’s Jewish history.

Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Hassan Tower, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Bouregreg River. Nearby, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V awaits, showcasing stunning glasswork, diverse marble, and a metal staircase leading to the royal tombs. Embark on a Jewish Heritage tour in Rabat, wandering through the Mellah’s historic lanes, still home to a few Jewish families. Explore the Chellah Necropolis, with its rich history and gardens, and reflect on the legacy of Rabbi Hayyim ben Moses Attar, an esteemed 18th-century scholar. Post-lunch, journey to Meknes for an immersive half-day tour. Marvel at the medina’s imposing walls and gates, and stroll through the old Jewish quarter’s vibrant streets and courtyards. Visit the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan and observe the Jewish history etched into the Meknes Zaouia. The Mellah here is alive with synagogues, eight still in use. Venture beyond to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a testament to Morocco’s ancient roots. Arrive in Fes by late afternoon and settle into a beautiful riad for the night.

Fes, a medieval jewel and one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, is renowned for its Jewish heritage, notably as the home of Rabbi Isaac Alfasi, a prominent Talmudic scholar. Your guided tour in Fes will take you through the Mellah, a neighborhood with a history spanning over 650 years and once the site of over 40 synagogues. Visit the adjoining Royal Palace, a sanctuary during the 1912 pogrom, and the nearby cemetery, the final resting place for many Jewish saints, including Silica. Explore the Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest and most preserved within the city walls, a silent witness to the enduring Jewish presence in Morocco. After lunch, delve into the old medina of Fes, a labyrinth of lively alleys lined with shops offering leather, metalwork, and textiles. Optionally, visit the University of Al-Kairaouine, recognized as the world’s first educational institution by the Guinness Book of Records.

After enjoying breakfast at your riad, your journey through Morocco’s Jewish heritage leads you to Marrakech, passing through the historically Jewish town of Seffrou. En route, experience Ifrane, often likened to “the Switzerland of Morocco,” with its distinctive architecture, cedar forests, and ski resorts. Take time to honor the synagogues and cemeteries that have long been pilgrimage sites. Pause at Bhalil cemetery on your way to Seffrou, a town once heavily populated by Jews, with the Mellah comprising half of its architecture. The medina’s white walls, adorned with wooden balconies, echo the Jewish influence. In Seffrou, witness the legacy of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Jews, united in their religious observances—a testament to Morocco’s interfaith dialogue. Proceed to Beni Mellal, stopping briefly at Zaouia Cheikh. After a midday meal, explore the Kasbah Ras el-Ain, a stone fortress offering breathtaking views of the surrounding citrus and olive groves, and the verdant valley below. Your day concludes with your arrival in Marrakech, where you’ll retire to the comfort of a charming riad for the evening.

Marrakech, an Imperial City and a jewel among global destinations, invites you on a Jewish Heritage tour. Delve into the Mellah, established in 1558, where the Jewish community once thrived with autonomy, despite property ownership restrictions. Today, approximately 250 Jews reside in Marrakech. The Mellah has been meticulously restored, its souks a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. The Synagogue Bet-El, a central place of worship and gathering, awaits your visit. Your itinerary may include:

• The Majorelle Gardens, a legacy of Yves St Laurent, renowned for its vibrant blue hues.
• The Yves St Laurent Museum, celebrating the designer’s influence.
• The El Bahia Palace, translating to “the palace of the beautiful,” a marvel of architecture.
• The El Badi Palace, echoing the grandeur of a bygone era.

Optionally, explore the Ben Youssef Medersa, a historic Quranic school, and the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the medina’s life, where souks bustle with artisans crafting leather, metalwork, and textiles. Conclude your day with a restful evening in the serene ambiance of your riad.

Post-breakfast, we set out for Essaouira, a picturesque fishing town with a rich Portuguese and Jewish past, celebrated for its azure boats, whitewashed houses, succulent seafood, and the rhythmic Gnawa music festival. En route, seize the opportunity to capture the unique spectacle of goats agilely ascending argan trees in search of leaves and nuts. A visit to the argan women’s cooperative reveals the meticulous process of transforming argan kernels into a variety of valued products. Upon arrival in Essaouira, the bustling port beckons with its iconic blue boats. Select from the day’s catch for a freshly prepared seaside lunch. The afternoon unfolds with a guided exploration of Essaouira’s Jewish heritage. Traverse the 18th-century Jewish quarter, once home to a thriving community that constituted 40% of the town’s populace. Although few of the original 25 synagogues stand today, their legacy endures. Step into the Bet Ha-Knesset Simon Attias Synagogue, a recently inaugurated synagogue complete with a Jewish museum and a future cultural center named after the historian Haim Zafrani, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Moroccan Jewish culture. Conclude your day with a visit to the Jewish cemeteries, including Rabi Haim Pinto’s mausoleum, the site of an annual hilloul. The newer cemetery, established to accommodate the growing Jewish community, now serves as a sacred resting place for rabbis, intellectuals, musicians, and other notable Jewish figures of Essaouira. Retire for the night in the tranquil embrace of a charming riad, nestled in the heart of Essaouira.

Post-breakfast, seize the day to further discover the enchanting seaport of Essaouira. Stroll through the historic medina, capturing the grandeur of its fortifications and the charm of its whitewashed houses. Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has served as the dramatic setting for numerous films, including the epic series Game of Thrones. Meander through its breezy lanes and peruse the vibrant souks, where local artisans showcase their crafts, including the renowned thuja woodwork and intricate metal creations. Following your midday meal, embark on your return journey to Marrakech or Casablanca. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, allowing you to board your flight punctually, thus concluding your immersive Jewish Heritage Tour in Morocco. The final day’s schedule will be thoughtfully arranged to accommodate your flight’s departure time.