Sha'are Shalom Synagogue
| Shaare Shalom | |
|---|---|
| File:Shaare Shalom Synagogue, Kingston, Jamaica.png Shaare Shalom Synagogue | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Jewish |
| Rite | Sephardic |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Henriques Brothers |
| Completed | 1912 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 600 |
| Materials | Concrete block |
| Website | |
| www.ucija.org | |
Kahal Kadosh Shaare Shalom (United Congregation of Israelites) is a historic Jewish synagogue in the city of Kingston on the island of Jamaica. Today, it stands as the only Jewish house of worship in the entire country.
History
With the influx of Jews to Jamaica in the 1600's, multiple synagogues were constructed across the island in such cities as: Montego Bay, Spanish Town, Port Royal, and Kingston. Originally, two synagogues were built in Spanish Town, the Sephardi K.K. Neveh Shalom (Habitation of Peace) consecrated in 1704, and the Ashkenazi K.K. Mikveh Yisrael (Hope of Israel) erected in 1796. These two congregations would later merge as Jews began to migrate from Spanish Town to Kingston, the new capital city.
As in Spanish Town, two congregations (Sephardi and Ashkenazi) existed in the Kingston. Initial attempts to form a merger were unsuccessful. The United Congregation of Israelites constructed the original Shaare Shalom synagogue in 1885, but an earthquake destroyed it. The building was reconstructed by the Henriques Brothers in 1912 and this structure still stands today. In 1921, the Ashkenazi community merged with the Shaare Shalom Synagogue to form a unified congregation as it exists today.[1]
Today
The synagogue can accomodate more than 600 persons for services in its sanctuary. Its sanctuary floor is covered in sand (from the Sephardi custom) to remind persons of the time when Jews covered their floors with sand to muffle the sound of their prayers during the Inquisition. The sanctuary also features a 52-stop pipe organ. Though once an Orthodox community, the Shaare Shalom synagogue now allows for mixed seating and a Liberal-Conservative service incorporating prayers in both Hebrew and English.
The congregation also maintains the Hillel Academy, one of the top prep schools in Jamaica. The school has a total enrollment of more than 800 students and maintains a non-denominational status.
The modern Jewish community in Jamaica consists of approximately 250-300 Jews.[2]