Jewish Amsterdam: 10 Best Places To Visit
Amsterdam, with its rich Jewish heritage, has much to offer those looking to explore the history and culture of Jewish life in the city. The following are the ten best places to visit for an immersive experience.
1.Anne Frank House – No visit is complete without a trip to the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. It’s a moving experience that brings visitors face to face with the history of Jewish persecution.
2.Portuguese Synagogue – Built in 1675, this still-active synagogue provides a glimpse into the Sephardic Jewish community of Amsterdam. The beautiful interior and historic artifacts make it a must-visit site.
3.Jewish Historical Museum- Located in four former Ashkenazi synagogues near Waterlooplein, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Jewish culture, religion, and history in the Netherlands.
4.Hollandsche Schouwburg – Once a theater, it became a deportation center for Jews during WWII. Now it serves as a memorial and educational center detailing the Holocaust in Amsterdam.
5.Esnoga (The Great Synagogue) – Part of the Jewish Historical Museum complex, Esnoga is one of the stunning synagogues you can explore to learn about Jewish traditions and rituals.
6.Waterlooplein Market – Explore this flea market where you can find Jewish books, antiques, and kosher foodstuffs among other things, giving tourists a taste of modern Jewish life.
7.Joods Historisch Kindermuseum (Jewish Historical Children’s Museum) – This engaging museum is interactive and designed to teach children about Jewish culture through hands-on exhibits and activities.
8.Ets Haim Library – The oldest active Jewish library in the world houses rare and ancient texts crucial to understanding Jewish scholarship throughout the ages.
9.Jewish Monument – A striking sculpture by Jan Wolkers installed at Weesperstraat to commemorate over 100,000 Dutch Jews who were victims of the Holocaust.
10.Doc’s Diary – Although not widely known, this intimate venue gives insight into daily Jewish life through exhibitions showcasing documents belonging to Dr. Ephraim Bueno, a notable Jewish physician from Amsterdam during Golden Age.
Visiting these sites will help you connect with the old-world charm of Amsterdam’s Jewish community while also educating on its profound historical significance.