The Charlotte Jewish News- October 2026- Page 11
Where to Next? Beyond the Souks: Discovering Morocco’ s Jewish Legacy
By Roni Fishkin
Morocco is a destination that captured my imagination long before I arrived. I envisioned the aroma of spices drifting through centuries-old medinas and phenomenal shopping opportunities at bustling souks filled with colorful textiles as well as handcrafted pottery. I pictured starry nights across the dramatic Sahara Desert, intricately designed tilework, and dinners in beautiful riads tucked behind unassuming doorways. Upon my first visit, Morocco exceeded every expectation.
What I didn’ t fully appreciate until after returning home, however, was that hidden among those same winding streets was another captivating story. And one I had unknowingly walked by. For more than 2,000 years, Morocco was home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the Arab world.
At its peak, more than 250,000 Jews lived throughout the country, contributing to its commerce, music, craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture. Today, only a small Jewish community remains, but traces of its centuries-old presence can still be found throughout the country in countless ways.
BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIC CARE
That realization made me wish I had looked a little deeper. One of the most fascinating places to begin is in Morocco’ s historic mellahs, the Jewish quarters that once formed the heart of Jewish life in cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Essaouira. These dynamic neighborhoods tell stories of families, merchants, scholars, and artisans who helped shape Morocco and now offer visitors an opportunity to better understand this remarkable legacy.
Perhaps what surprised me most was learning Morocco has made preserving its Jewish history a national priority. Ancient synagogues have been restored, Jewish cemeteries protected and heritage sites preserved, revealing the extraordinary acknowledgment that Morocco’ s identity cannot be fully understood without its Jewish chapter.
Like Portugal, which I explored in one of my previous columns, Morocco reminds us that the Jewish story isn’ t confined to museums. It lives alongside everyday life. One of the things I loved most about Morocco was how immersive every day felt. Whether wandering through the medinas, sharing mint tea with local hosts, preparing a traditional tagine dish at a cooking class, learning about pottery and leather crafts, or simply watching daily life unfold from the chair of a bustling cafe, every experience invited us to engage with the culture rather than to simply observe it.
Knowing what I know now, I
Your Trusted Partner in Foot & Ankle Health
Compassionate, physician-led care for the whole family, from every day aches to advanced surgical treatment.
Ballantyne 10949 Old Ardrey Kell Road Cotswold 309 South Sharon Amity Road, Suite 206
Seven North Carolina Locations
Mooresville 143 Joe Knox Avenue Concord 5310 Langford Avenue, NW Denver 268 Gillman Road
Comprehensive Care for the Conditions We Treat
Ankle Sprains & Instability Arthritis of Foot & Ankle Pediatric Foot Conditions Bunions & Hammertoes Skin & Nail Disorders Sports Injuries
Conservative-First Treatment Custom Orthotics and Shoes
Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis Flat Feet & Arch Disorders Diabetic Foot Care Tendon Disorders Nerve Conditions Fracture Care
A Higher Standard of Client Care
Fast Rehab PT Integration Diabetic Foot
The main square in Marrakech’ s Old Medina, the historic heart of the Moroccan city.
University 3220 Prosperity Church Road Huntersville 15419 Hodges Circle, Suite 200
High-Tech & High-Touch Diagnostic Imaging
would have looked beyond the Morocco I first encountered. On my next visit, I will seek out the restored Jewish quarter in Marrakech. I will spend time exploring the Jewish past of Essaouira, a coastal city known for its stunning blue and white hues where Jews once made up a significant portion of the population. I’ ll visit one of the historic synagogues, wander through a mellah with fresh eyes, and learn more about the generations of Moroccan Jews whose traditions left an enduring mark on the country.
That’ s one of the wonderful things about travel. Sometimes a place continues to reveal itself long after we’ ve returned home and unpacked our suitcases. One of the goals of this column is to encourage readers to look beyond the obvious attractions and experience a place more deeply.
Morocco certainly rewards that curiosity. You may arrive anticipating one thing, but exploring its Jewish heritage reveals a side of this multifaceted country you might otherwise never see, reminding us that some of the most meaningful travel experiences are the stories we didn’ t even know we were looking for.
704-662-3660 | www. footandankleassociates. com
“ We believe in doing things right- exhausting conservative care, using the best technology available and keeping you close to home.”
Color-filled stone vats form the centuries-old landscape of a traditional leather tannery in Morocco.