Suriname

Suriname, the smallest country in South America, is home to the oldest surviving Jewish community in the Americas. Until recently the Jewish community was isolated from the wider Jewish world. Now, with help from Kulanu volunteers and supporters, the Jews of Suriname are able to reconnect with Israel and the wider Jewish world through unique programs such as a three-month visit from a volunteer rabbi, and the participation of the community youth in a Birthright/Taglit trip to Israel. See below for links to more on these initiatives as well as the history and development of the Jewish community of Suriname.

Useful Resources:

Photos, Videos, and Music

• ONLINE SPEAKER SERIES: The 382 Year Story of Suriname’s Jewish Community

Articles and Links

• Suriname Jewish Community, the Oldest Existing Community in all of the Americas!(community website)
• The Tzidkaniot: Righteous Women of Kulanu Communities By Bonita Sussman (2016)
• Mapping the Western Sephardic Diaspora in the Caribbean Laura Arnold Leibman, November 2014 (links to external website)
• 2010 Birthright Tour Highlights Video in English, some parts in Hebrew
• Young Suriname Jews Realize Dream Press release (2010)
• Suriname’s Jewish Community Welcome First Rabbi in Forty Years Judy Manelis (2010)
• Among Maroons: Discoveries of Color, Judaism and Slavery Shai Fierst (2008)
• The Surprising Discovery of Suriname’s Jewish Community Jacob Steinberg (2008)
• The Jewish Community in Suriname Arny Belfor

Chai Vekayam Newsletters

• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2023)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2o23)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2022)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2022)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2021)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (March 2021)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2020)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2020)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (January 2020)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2019)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2019)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2018)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (March 2018)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2017)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2017)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2016)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (September 2014)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2013)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (October 2012)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2012)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (March 2011)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (April 2010)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (December 2009)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (June 2009)
• Chai Vekayam: The Neve Shalom Synagogue Chai Members Newsletter (February 2009)