Nestled down a narrow alley in the picturesque coastal town of Asilah, Morocco, a remarkable piece of the country’s rich multicultural history has been given a new lease on life. After decades of neglect and decay, the centuries-old Kahal Synagogue has been meticulously restored, becoming a beacon of Jewish heritage and interfaith cooperation.
Originally built in 1824, the Kahal Synagogue is one of the many testaments to Morocco’s ancient Jewish community, whose roots in the region stretch back to Roman times. For years, the building sat in ruins, forgotten by time, until a passionate restoration effort led by members of the Tangier Jewish Community—together with local residents of Asilah—transformed the derelict structure into a vibrant historical and spiritual site.
Rediscovering a Sacred Space
Visitors approaching the synagogue are greeted by a striking image displayed near the entrance: a photograph showing the building in its previous dilapidated state. The contrast between past and present is startling. Today, the synagogue exudes reverence and warmth, its interiors thoughtfully restored to reflect their 19th-century appearance.
At the heart of the prayer hall stands the teba—a wooden pulpit from which the Torah is read. Painstakingly reconstructed, the teba now resembles its original form, offering insight into the craftsmanship and religious significance it once held for the Jewish community in Asilah.
Aaron Abikzer, vice-president of the Tangier Jewish Community, was instrumental in initiating the restoration. Reflecting on his first visit to the site, he recalled, “The synagogue was in complete ruins. But with the help of the people of Asilah, many of whom still remembered the structure, we pieced it back together.”
Abikzer noted that local residents even provided sketches and descriptions of how the synagogue looked decades ago. “With their drawings, we restored it to its original form—right down to the details in the walls and pews,” he explained.
Preserving Memory Through Artifacts
The synagogue now houses a carefully curated collection of historical items, including old photographs, family marriage certificates, and religious artefacts that paint a vivid picture of the once-thriving Jewish community.
One of the key figures in this cultural revival is Sonia Cohen Toledano, who oversees the preservation of Jewish heritage in Tangier. For years, Toledano had been collecting religious items from abandoned synagogues across the region.
“Many of the carpets, chandeliers, and prayer items now found in the Asilah synagogue come from Jewish families who once lived here,” she shared. “I kept them safe for years, and now they’ve come home.”
Toledano’s dedication extended beyond religious objects. The lighting within the synagogue, for example, was selected to recreate the soft, intimate ambiance of traditional worship spaces, while the wooden ceiling overhead adds an authentic touch to the sacred environment.
The Revival of the Mikveh
One of the most significant components of the restored site is the mikveh, a ritual bath used for purification. Located beneath the main floor, it features two water basins and an ancient oven historically used to heat the water.
The mikveh’s upper level includes two traditional bathrooms with a domed, concave ceiling designed to trap heat and steam—a detail in keeping with Jewish ritual architecture. Its wooden door is adorned with motifs reflective of traditional Jewish art, further anchoring the site in its cultural roots.
Honoring the Past: The Asilah Jewish Cemetery
Adjacent to the synagogue, facing the vast Atlantic, lies the Asilah Jewish cemetery. A solemn and peaceful resting place, the cemetery holds the remains of generations of Jewish families who once called this coastal town home. Though fewer Jews live in Morocco today, the cemetery has become a quiet draw for visitors, tourists, and heritage scholars seeking to connect with the history of Moroccan Jewry.
The presence of these graves, preserved and respected, reflects a broader national narrative of coexistence and cultural respect. It’s this spirit that has driven the efforts of Abikzer and his collaborators to not only restore the buildings but also secure their long-term protection.
A National Recognition of Heritage
In February 2025, after two years of persistent effort, the Kahal Synagogue, the mikveh, and the Jewish cemetery in Asilah were officially recognized as Moroccan heritage sites by the country’s Ministry of Culture. The designation marks a significant milestone in preserving Jewish cultural landmarks across Morocco.
“We made a formal request for these places to be declared national heritage,” said Abikzer. “Two years later, we received confirmation that all three—the synagogue, the mikveh, and the cemetery—were registered as protected cultural monuments. I’m very happy.”
This recognition ensures that the sites will not only be preserved for future generations but also integrated into Morocco’s broader cultural narrative, affirming the nation’s historical diversity and longstanding spirit of religious tolerance.
A Community Transformed
The revival of the Kahal Synagogue is more than just a physical restoration—it’s a powerful symbol of remembrance and unity. While the Jewish population in Morocco has dwindled from an estimated 300,000 in the 1950s to around 5,000 today, efforts like these aim to safeguard the legacy of a community that played a vital role in shaping Moroccan society.
Beyond its spiritual importance, the restored synagogue has become a point of cultural pride and educational interest. Tourists and locals alike visit to learn about Jewish customs, architecture, and the shared history of Muslims and Jews in North Africa.
“This is not just a building,” Toledano said. “It’s a bridge between generations and a symbol of how we can remember the past while building a future of understanding.”
As Asilah continues to charm visitors with its whitewashed walls and Atlantic breeze, the Kahal Synagogue now stands as a quiet yet powerful witness to centuries of shared life—resurrected through memory, care, and the commitment of a community determined to preserve its roots.
