By Roni Fishkin White sand beaches, turquoise water, and pastel-colored buildings aren’ t usually what come to mind when you think about Jewish history. But on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, Jewish heritage is not just present – it’ s foundational. For travelers looking to combine a relaxing getaway with a meaningful cultural experience, Curaçao offers a surprising and deeply rooted Jewish story set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the Caribbean. A Community Born of Resilience
Jewish life in Curaçao dates to the 1600s, when Sephardic Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal found refuge under Dutch rule. They established a thriving community that would go on to play a significant role in the island’ s economic and cultural development. At the center of that history is Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, home to one of the oldest active Jewish congregations in the Americas. A Floor of Sand and Stories
Step inside the synagogue, consecrated in 1732, and you’ re immediately struck by one of its unique features: a floor covered entirely in sand. The tradition is often said to symbolize the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the desert, while others connect it to an earlier time when Jews in Spain and Portugal muffled the sounds of their footsteps during secret worship. Whatever its origins, the sand creates a quiet, almost reverent atmosphere – one that feels both grounded in history and distinctly different from any synagogue most visitors have experienced. More Than a Moment in Time
Like Savannah from last month’ s column, Curaçao’ s Jewish story isn’ t just historical – it’ s ongoing. The synagogue remains active, and the adjacent Jewish Cultural Historical Museum offers insight into the community’ s evolution over centuries. Walking through Willemstad, with its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and waterfront views, you get a sense of how seamlessly Jewish life has been woven into the fabric of the island. A Caribbean Experience – With Depth
Of course, Curaçao also delivers everything you’ d want from a Caribbean getaway: beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a relaxed island pace. It also has the advantage of being outside the hurricane belt, offering a safe and sunny climate all year round. After a morning exploring Jewish history, you might spend the afternoon snorkeling
The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 9
Where to Next? Sun, Sand and Sephardic Traditions: A Caribbean Surprise
By Summer Simpson
This spring, The Levine JCC welcomed more than 100 attendees to its annual Women’ s Health Fair, a community event focused on wellness, education, and connection.
Dedicated organizers transformed“ The J” into an inviting space where women could engage directly with health professionals, local business owners, and community organizations in an open, community-centered environment.
Designed to support women at every stage of life, the fair featured experts across a wide range of health and wellness fields, offering guidance on preventive care, lifestyle habits, and available community resources. Guests also had the opportunity to sample select services, while an on-site shot clinic provided convenient access to immunizations and other preventive care resources.
This year’ s event was made possible through the support of sponsors including Novant Health, Levine Hearing, Brookdale Senior Living, Beyond the Weight by Dr. Mehta, Overture Providence and Overture Cotswold. Together, they offered a robust lineup of services and educational opportunities throughout the day.
The fair also included a meaningful community service component. Attendees assembled“ Period Power Kits” filled with essential hygiene products for individuals in need, reflecting the event’ s broader emphasis on care, dignity and community support.
Beyond the health programming, guests enjoyed a curated shopping experience featuring local artisans and small businesses selling jewelry, skincare, thrift finds and gifts ahead of Mother’ s Day. A dynamic silent auction added another layer of
energy and engagement to the event.
“ Our goal is to create a space where women feel informed, supported, and empowered to prioritize their health,” organizers from The JCC Fitness & in crystal-clear water or wandering through the island’ s vibrant neighborhoods. The harbor and inner city of the island’ s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site. And like many places shaped by diaspora communities, Curaçao’ s food scene reflects a blend of influences. For an authentic local experience, stop at Plasa Bieu, a vibrant, open-air food court offering traditional island dishes in a lively, communal setting. It’ s a true local experience and a reminder that food, like culture, is often about shared experience. Beyond Curaçao
Curaçao is not alone in its Jewish Caribbean story. Jamaica, Barbados and St. Thomas are all places you may go for sun and sand – but maybe leave with something more. Together, these destinations offer a deeper understanding of how Jewish communities have adapted, thrived
Wellness Department shared.“ Events like this bring together important resources while fostering a genuine sense of community.”
Organizers said the continued growth of the Women’ s Health
and endured in unexpected places, each with stories we will explore in future issues.
Roni Fishkin, a 30-year veteran of the travel industry with Mann Travels, Frosch and Chase Travel, has visited more than 60 countries. You can contact her at roni. fishkin @ me. com.
Wellness and Community Come Together at The Levine JCC Women’ s Health Fair
Fair reflects strong community interest in accessible health education paired with the opportunity to create meaningful connections. Event organizers have exciting plans to expand the event even more, next year.