Welcome to recife!

Learn more about Centro Cultural Judaico (Synagog Kahal Zur Israel)

Centro Cultural Judaico (Synagog Kahal Zur Israel) is located in Recife, Brazil. Recife has always been a place of rich history and numerous sights to see. The many experiences you can gain from there are plenty. Going to Recife is definitely not a bad idea on your part. And if you do, you must not miss out on visiting the synagogue.

The Centro Cultural Judaico is a museum as well as a cultural center. The structure is constructed right on top of the place where the original synagogue of Kahal Zur Israel used to stand. In the Americas, the synagogue was the first ever to be established. The foundation of this spiritual site was in the year 1630 and about 1,400 Dutch Jews paid homage to their beliefs at that very site hundreds of years ago.

The Rock of Israel, that is what Kahal Zur Israel means. The original synagogue has long ago vanished due to the transition of ruling powers in the area. The synagogue was constructed in the first place because at the time of the Holland rule, it was tolerated. But when the Dutch rule ended, the Jews in the area migrated and the synagogue was lost.

Not until the excavation by Marcos Albuquerque was the synagogue rediscovered. This man from Federal University of Pernambuco headed the digging below a Bom Jesus Street building in 2000. A Jewish ritual purification bath called a mikvah was found at the site, leading to the confirmation of the synagogue’s location. This then led to the construction of Centro Cultural Judaico (Synagog Kahal Zur Israel).

If you visit the Centro Cultural Judaico (Synagog Kahal Zur Israel), you will learn about the complex history of the synagogue. Studies point to the flourishing of Kahal Zur Israel in Recife starting in 1636 towards 1654. By that time, northeastern Brazil was conquered by the Portuguese. The Jews were then removed from their homes and forced to migrate.

Take note that the Centro Cultural Judaico (Synagog Kahal Zur Israel) is not a reconstruction of the original synagogue but a museum built to honor it. A tour there would include the telling of history through the showing of documentaries in the 3rd floor about the synagogue’s rebuilding and of the Jews that once visited it. The ground floor houses the remains of the temple. The second floor is the actual synagogue. There will be guides to help you along especially if you are not well versed with the Jewish tradition. Most likely, you will spend an hour inside.

• From Centro Cultural Judaico back to Recife Brazil Guide
  
  
• Basilica el Convento Nossa
  Recife’s Basilica el convento nossa senhora de carmo symbolizes Gothic and Baroque architecture. It’s a memorable visit to Basilica el convento nossa senhora de carmo.
• Capela Dourada
  The Capela Dourada is a monument of Recife's religious past. It is a past that continues to the present through the testimony of the Capela Dourada.
• Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos
  Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos is a great Recife colonial church. Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos is the pride of the Patio de Dao Pedro.
• Forte das Cinco Pontas
  The Forte das Cinco Pontas is a landmark in Recife that is worth checking. If you visit Recife, you have to visit Forte das Cinco Pontas as well.
• Forte do Brum
  The Forte do Brum is a piece of architecture that has continuously wowed generations of visitors. Yet beneath Recife’s Forte do Brum are stories worth listening to.
• Instituto Ricardo Brennand
  Recife’s Instituto Ricardo Brennand has lots to offer. Visiting Brazil would be incomplete without seeing Instituto Ricardo Brennand.
• Madre de Deus
  Madre de Deus is a cathedral that has recently been restored. The Madre de Deus Cathedral is one place to visit in Recife.
• Museum of Modern Art
  A museum of modern art is definitely a great way to immerse your self in Recife. So drive to the museum of modern art nearest you now!
• Nossa Senhora da Conceicao dos Militares
  Nossa Senhora da Conceicao dos Militares has become Recife’s teacher for travelers and residents. Nossa Senhora de Conceicao de Militares is the best place to be.
• Nossa Senhora da Conceicao ou Capela da Jaqueira
  Recife’s Nossa Senhora da Conceicao ou Capela da Jaqueira is the best place to be. Nossa Senhora da Conceicao ou Capela da Jaqueira is filled with memories of the glorious past.
• Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Homens Prestos
  Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Homens Pretos in Recife symbolized the struggle of African slaves. Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Homens Pretos is a great place to visit.
• Oficina de Ceramica Francisco Brennand
  Visiting Recife’s Oficina de Ceramica Francisco Brennand is a surreal trip. The Oficina de Ceramica Francisco Brennand makes possible mind boggling imaginations.
• Patio De Sao Pedro
  Patio de Sao Pedro is a destination that captures the first-time Recife visitor. Patio de Sao Pedro will make your experience worth repeating any time of year.
• Recife Culture Attractions
  Experience Recife cultural attractions. Visit museums, famous architecture, art galleries, and even the annual carnival to truly experience Recife cultural attractions.
• Recife Brazil History
  Recife Brazil History molds the northeast's rich cultural experience. One's visit will be very meaningful after learning about Recife Brazil History.
• Santissimo Sacramento
  Santissimo Sacramento (Matriz de San Antonio) is a significant place. Santissimo Sacramento (Matriz de San Antonio) gives a religious view of Recife Brazil.