Jews of Colombia: Inclusive Community Profile

The tiny Jewish community of Colombia — 2,000 people scattered across 52 million Colombians — thrives in a blend of cultures. Their roots trace back to Syria, Turkey, Romania, Germany, and Poland. Shopkeepers, university professors, and students alike keep their heritage alive.

The Jews of Colombia

Colombia’s Jewish community is a vibrant cultural mosaic, having migrated from various countries for centuries. They preserve their distinct Jewish traditions, foods, and language, Hebrew, alongside Spanish and Portuguese. In this way, Colombian Jews continue to hold their cultural identity despite being a small population. Memo Angel, a Sephardic professor at a university in Medellin, converted to Judaism, reflecting this city’s inclusivity. The community in Medellin provides a sense of belonging to both Jews and non-Jews, through gatherings at the local synagogues or Jewish center. The Lebanese Sephardic Jews in particular embrace a rich background, and this department of Jews is one of the most prominent in Colombia.

The Colombian inclusive culture

Colombia, a predominantly Catholic and Christian country, has a history of accepting people from various religions. The Jews have blended Colombian culture and traditions with their own. The inclusivity and welcoming nature of the Jewish community in Colombia is notable. The community in Colombia has members from all around the globe and it is inclusive of all people, from all walks of life.

Testimony in the classroom

The Jewish school in Colombia reflects the community's inclusivity. 90 percent of its students are non-Jewish. Yet, all students learn Hebrew and observe Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, together. This setup is akin to the Jewish community in Egypt. The diversity and multiculturalism is reflected in the education curriculum. This exposes the students to different cultures and traditions. Students study and play together and have Shabbat dinner together. This is a common practice in many Jewish schools.

Diversity in Colombian Jewish community

While the Jewish community is small, the community is diverse, with members from Syria, Romania, Turkey, and many other countries. This makes the community diverse and multicultural, with different practices and traditions. The community also includes converts, like Memo. Jewish people in Colombia are multi-lingual, being bilingual alongside Portuguese or Spanish. Colombia's inclusive culture also helps in maintaining this diversity.

The concept of ‘liam’

While the process and meaning of ‘liam’ is not clear, several initiation rituals into Judaism often follow a pattern of immersion. The process can be grueling and will also vary based on the sect.

Cooking with heritage

The food in the community is a vibrant mix of Colombian cuisine and Jewish dishes. Kolaches are a popular pastry in Colombia, and they are a product of the Jews in this country. Colombians have found that their tastes are changing, as they are increasingly eating ethnic foods. The community often cooks Jewish food with Latin flavors. Some Jewish staples in Colombia include malafa with pesto and bagels with guacamole. The community often cooks Jewish food with Latin flavors.

Visiting the Community of Colombia

• Learn Basic Hebrew: As Spanish is the primary language in Colombia and Hebrew is secondary, learning Spanish and basic Hebrew can ease your stay and conversation with the locals.
• Join a Shabbat dinner: Shabbat dinner is a sacred and social event. Join one of these, and get to know people from all walks of life.
• Visit the Jewish Center: The Jewish center in Medellin is inclusive. Take classes, perhaps, on Judaism, and get to know people and culture.
• Find a local guide: Local tourism guides are available to take you to spots in Columbia, including Jewish spots. Find one who will help you connect to the community.

The legacy of Colombia

Colombian Jews have brought exposure to foreign cultures, goods, and people. They have influenced the mainstream society and have made a significant difference in Colombia. The Jews of Colombia are a testament to the fact that a small community can make a big impact in the country.