Costa Rica
Trekking through a rainforest serves as the perfect metaphor for Jewish life in Costa Rica—a vibrant community that has flourished in harmony with its surroundings. Most Costa Rican Jews trace their roots to a single Polish village, Zelechow, with immigrants arriving in the 1930s fleeing persecution in Europe. Known initially as “Polacos” (peddlers), these settlers built the foundation for what has become one of Central America’s most successful Jewish communities. Today, approximately 3,000 Jews live primarily in and around San José, playing influential roles in business, politics, and culture. The community maintains strong ties to Israel—Costa Rica was among the first countries to recognize Israeli statehood—while embracing “pura vida,” the distinctly Costa Rican philosophy of living life to its fullest.
Or Jojma community in Costa Rica, 2020
Location
San José and western suburbs
Denomination
Primarily Orthodox
Community size
Approximately 3,000
Languages
Spanish, Hebrew
Discover Costa Rica
The Centro Israelita: A Jewish Oasis
Completed in 2004, the Centro Israelita Sionista de Costa Rica stands as the heart of Jewish community life. Built with Jerusalem stone and surrounded by high security walls, this impressive compound houses the 1,000-seat Shaarei Zion Synagogue, three mikvehs, the Jewish Museum of Costa Rica, administrative offices, social halls, and kosher restaurants. The museum showcases ritual objects brought from Poland by early settlers and documents the community’s journey. Beyond religious services, the Centro serves as a comprehensive hub where generations gather for education, culture, social activities, and remembrance—evident in its Holocaust memorial and cemetery. Though security measures are strict, the warmth of community life flourishes within these walls.
Political Influence Beyond Numbers
Despite comprising less than 0.1% of Costa Rica’s population, Jews have achieved remarkable political influence. The country has seen Jewish vice presidents, legislators, and ambassadors, including Rebecca Greenspan and Luis Lieberman. When asked about anti-Semitism during his vice-presidential campaign, Lieberman remarked that his religion was barely mentioned—a testament to Costa Rica’s inclusive political culture. This success extends to international relations, with Costa Rica maintaining exceptionally strong ties with Israel. In 1948, it was among the first countries to vote for Israeli statehood at the United Nations, and for decades it maintained its embassy in Jerusalem, reflecting a special relationship that stands out in Latin America.
Balancing Tradition and Modern Life
The community presents a fascinating blend of traditional observance and contemporary adaptation. While the synagogue and community structures are Orthodox, most members drive to Shabbat services and maintain varying levels of ritual observance. Almost all Jewish children attend the Weizmann day school, emerging fluent in Spanish, Hebrew, and English. Following graduation, many spend a gap year in Israel before university studies. Intermarriage remains relatively uncommon, with those who marry non-Jews typically encouraged to pursue Orthodox conversion. This balance has created a close-knit community where multi-generational families maintain strong Jewish identities while fully participating in Costa Rican society.