Jewish Antwerp
Interior of an Antwerp synagogue (photo © VisitBelgium.com). |
The Belgian city of Antwerp has about 15,000 Jews and one of the largest ultra-Orthodox communities in the Diaspora. The city's 30 synagogues are all Orthodox. Kosher food can be easily found in Antwerp; there are several kosher delis, restaurants and grocery stores.
Approximately 95% of Jewish children in Antwerp attend Jewish day schools and receive intensive religious education, and more than 80% of the Orthodox Jewish community of Antwerp are involved in the diamond trade.
Sites of Jewish interest in Antwerp include:
- Jewish Quarter and Diamond Quarter
- Great Synagogue Romi Goldmuntz, the main synagogue of Antwerp, with a chorus on Saturday mornings. Built in 1928.
- Hollandse Synagogue on Bouwmeesterstraat, built in 1893
- Oosten Synagogue on Oostenstraat, constructed in 1913-1914
For more information on Judaism in Belgium, see:
- Jewish Antwerp - Expatica
- Jewish Heritage Belgium - Visit Belgium
