Judaism in

Morocco

Morocco has always had the largest Jewish Community in the Arab World. Its heritage

and history are unknown

although every part of the kingdom records important Jewish legend. Join us as we explore Judaism in Morocco

Day 1 – Departure

Depart New York this evening for Morocco.

Day 2 – Casablanca/Rabat

Welcome to Casablanca. Upon arrival your Learning Through Travel guide will greet you and provide an orientation tour of the city. Casablanca with its many congregations has the largest Jewish population in all of Morocco. Visit the Habbous Quarter, the United Nations Square and the Royal Palace. Lunch will be served at a restaurant along the corniche. Continue to Rabat the “Modern Day Capital” of Morocco.  See the historical monuments including the marble mausoleum of Mohammed V., the turrets and red walls of the Chellah which is on the site of the Old Roman settlement of “Colonia”. Archaeologists have found, as in Volubilis, traces of a Jewish community in Roman times. This is revealed by a Greek inscription on a second century tomb.  Historical evidence of a Jewish community dates back to 1492 in the “El Buharia” sector of town. In 1807, they moved into the newly established Mellah where a few Jewish families still live today. Check-in at your hotel where you have dinner and will reside overnight.

Day 3 – Rabat/Sale/Meknes/Fez

After breakfast, drive to Sale, the twin city of Rabat, where a Mellah was inaugurated at the same time as the one in Rabat.  In Sale the great 18th century scholar and Cabbalist; Rabaii Hayim Ben Moses Attar was born.  He is especially known for the “Or Ha-Hyim”, a commentary of the Bible. Continue to Meknes whose Jewish settlement is of great antiquity and is testified by a Hebrew epitaph considered to be from the 3rd century. In 1950, there was a population of 15,000 in the Jewish community. Visit the Old Mellah which conveys a feeling of the Jewish past, characterized by famous names still used to identify the streets. Visit the cemetery of the old walls containing a pilgrimage shrine, the tomb of Rabbi David Bousidan, “Patron of Meknes”. Continue to the new Mellah with its eleven synagogues, eight of which are still in use. This afternoon lunch will be served in the home of a Jewish family. After lunch continue to Fez.

Day 4 – Fez

The day will be spent exploring the ancient city of Fez. It is said that Fez was famous during the middle Ages as a center of Jewish learning. Visit the FezEl Bali where one of the greatest Talmudic scholars and wise men, Rabbi Al Fasi lived during the 12th century. See a number of other synagogues as well as a Jewish cemetery in the area. Continue on a walking tour of the Medina. You will have an opportunity to shop for leather and other fine Moroccan handicrafts. A Sabbath dinner is served and a service is presented this evening.

Day 5 – Fez

Today is at your leisure.  

Day 6 – Fez/Beni Mellal/Marrakesh

After breakfast depart Fez, driving through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. Visit an old Jewish cemetery en-route. Arrive in Marrakesh the “Pearl of the South”. This evening have dinner at Chez Ali Restaurant which is situated outside Marrakech. Sitting under Caidal tents enjoy a typical Moroccan meal while watching the performances of folkloric troops representing different Moroccan regions. The grand finale featuring a camel caravan, belly dancers, horse show, fireworks and maybe even a flying carpet, will amaze you!  

Day 7 – Marrakesh

According to the oral tradition, the Jewish community in Marrakesh has been in existence since the destruction of the second Temple (70 AD); Jews settled in Marrakesh during the 1st century after the foundation of the city in 1603. Visit the Jewish Quarters, synagogues and rabbinical schools as well as a cemetery where the sage Rabbi Haccohen known as the “Patron of Marrakesh” is buried. After lunch continue to Qurika for an excursion to the picturesque valley where you see the famous tomb of Rabbi Salomon Beli Hens. The Holy inscriptions here are under the guardianship of a Jewish custodian.  Return to Marrakesh for your final evening and dinner at a Jewish family home. 

Day 8 - Departure

Your exploration of “Judaism in Morocco” comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your return flight. Arrive home with your hearts and minds filled with many memories of Morocco!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• International Air New York/Casablanca-Marrakesh/New York
  

• 1 night accommodation in Rabat at a 5-star deluxe hotel
  

• 3 nights accommodation in Fez at a 5-star deluxe hotel
  

• 2 nights accommodation in Marrakesh at a 5-star deluxe hotel
  

• All entrances to sites
  

• All transfers and sightseeing provided by deluxe air conditioned motor coach
  

• English speaking guide throughout
  

• 6 Breakfast, 6Lunch and 6Dinner
  

• Hotel taxes and service charges
  

NOT INCLUDED

• U.S. Departure Taxes and Airport Security Fees
  

• Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, soft rinks, coffee, tea, mineral water, alcoholic beverages, tips to drivers, guides and transfer personnel, meals not included in the itinerary, travel insurance, etc…
  

PLEASE NOTE: Itinerary sequence subject to change.