Morocco is one of the Muslim countries that, historically, has maintained the best relationship with the Jewish community. In fact, until the 1950s, the population of this religion lived here in large numbers. And although there are currently no more than 5,000, according to some estimates, there are still Jewish holy sites in Morocco that are visited by the local community and also by foreign tourists of this creed. Here are some of the most important ones.
Tomb of Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen
As we will see in this post, many of the holy sites for Jews in Morocco are tombs of great rabbis of the past. That is the case of Eliyahu HaCohen, whose eternal resting place is located in the Ben Mesik cemetery, in the area of Casablanca. The Jewish community attributes supernatural prodigies to it and its fame is also explained by the fact that this city is home to the largest Jewish community in the country, gathering about two thirds of the total.
Tomb of Rabbi Shlomo Ben-Tamtzot
Located in the Marrakech area, the tomb of this rabbi is one of the most visited and venerated by the Jewish community in the country, since it is believed that those who go to it and entrust themselves to his spirit receive health benefits. That is why sick pilgrims come here in search of help to overcome some ailment.
Tomb of Ben Baruch HaCohen Azog
This tomb is located in the region of Sus and, therefore, is one of the sacred and reference places for Jews living in the south of the country. Ben Baruch HaCohen Azog was an important rabbi and kabbalist, protected even by the Moroccan royal family of his time, in the middle of the 20th century. For this reason, it is a space that is highly respected by Jews and non-Jews alike.
Other places of great importance
While the aforementioned places can be considered sacred and pilgrimage sites for Moroccan Jews or for foreign travelers of this creed, there are other places related to Judaism that are also worth visiting, especially for believers of this religion.
Special mention should be made of the mellahwhich are the Jewish quarters located next to the medinas or inside them, but always in a strategic place, close to the king or the governors of that city. One of the best examples of this is in Fez, whose mellah surprises by a very characteristic architecture, with exterior wooden balconies. It is here where the mark of the Sephardic people, expelled from Spain in 1492, is most felt.
In Essaouira it is also possible to admire places of great significance for the Moroccan Jews, because here lived a populous community with members of great national and international recognition. In fact, there are several visitable synagogues and a large Jewish cemetery, a clear demonstration of the relevance that this community had in the city.
On the other hand, Meknes, which was once the capital of the kingdom, also houses spaces of great significance for the local Jews. In particular, because of the literary relevance achieved by some of those who lived here. The case of Rabbi David ben Aharon ben Hussein, considered one of the best poets for the members of this community, is noteworthy.
In addition to these tombs, synagogues and cemeteries, Morocco also has museums and information centers. And on a more everyday level, in this country you will also find restaurants and stores specializing in kosher cuisine. Therefore, if you are considering organizing a trip to the Jewish holy sites in Morocco, you can contact us: we will put together a very complete package, in which nothing will be left to chance.
