As in many countries, Jewish people have had a presence in Estonia for hundreds of years. Historical archives reveal that Jews first arrived in Estonia in the 14th century. However, it was not until the 20th century that the Jewish community of Estonia, a small country that borders Russia and Latvia, encountered a series of important turning points.
There are many things that make the north African country of Tunisia unique. One of these, historically speaking, is that it was the only Arab nation in the whole world to come under German occupation during WWII. This means that as in many European countries, the Jews of Tunisia were forced into labor, their property was confiscated, and they were required to wear the Star of David. Many were deported; many others were executed.
The cherished annual celebration that is marked with turkey and pumpkin pie is unique to the United States of America. However, the concept of a holiday that is designed to give thanks and celebrate with family is one that is recognized in several different countries. In fact, many cultures around the world have been giving thanks since ancient times. Here is how different countries around the world celebrate Thanksgiving:
New York musician and musicologist Alexander Gelfand once wrote an article entitled, “Tango: Not Jewish, But Not 100% Not Jewish.” How can this be said about one of the most quintessential and well-loved symbols of the country of Argentina? Tango is not exactly known as having Jewish roots. However, like many things within Argentina’s history, it is not without Jewish influence.
The Jewish Chronicle Online recently reported that Jerusalem has been named among the top ten tourist destination cities in the Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. For those who have visited amazing sites such as the Western Wall and the City of David, this may come as no surprise. But are you surprised to learn that Siem Reap, Cambodia also ranks among the top ten? Many people are, because Cambodia is still a country that is often misunderstood.
As Jews, how can we not feel empathy towards the Cambodians for their suffering? We can feel nothing but compassion and understanding for their hardships. We know that today, each Cambodian has a personal story about how his or her family was touched by the genocide, and the survival stories are deeply haunting. The Cambodian peoples have experienced their own holocaust. Yet much like the Jewish people, today their persecutors have fallen, and they are able to stand proudly.
The Jewish community in Finland is not one that is particularly large. Today, the Jewish community is comprised of a total of about 1,500 individuals out of a total population of about 5 million people. Despite its small size, however, the community is one that has its own interesting history and characteristics.
There are a few different places in this world that, when asked, I consider to be “home.” Among them are the New York and Panama. But sometimes there is a difference between what your heart calls home and what your head calls home. Today, I am happy to call the city of Chashmonaim, Israel home; home to both my head and my heart.
Read More “The Origins of Hannukah in my Home Town- Chashmonaim, Israel”
Jewish Life in Beijing, China
As in many Asian countries, Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam are prominent among its residents. Read More “Jewish Life in Beijing, China”
Are There Really Jews in Japan?
As a world traveler, I find it very exciting to discover Jewish communities in places where you may least expect them. Read More “Are There Really Jews in Japan?”
The Jewish communities of the 5 Scandinavian countries each have their own unique history, customs, and personalities. As you explore them, you are bound to discover many interesting facts about them. Did you know, for example, that the community of Trondhein, Norway, starts Shabbat and Yom tov at 5:30 PM and ends it at 6:30 PM regardless of when the sun rises and sets? This is because it is one of the northernmost Jewish communities in the world, and daylight hours vary greatly here depending on the time of year. Around the winter solstice, sunset can even occur as early as 2:30 pm.
As you explore the Jewish communities of Scandinavia, here are some tips for keeping kosher:
Norway- Since shechita is forbidden in Norway, kosher meat is not easy to come by. Kosher meat is not available at all in Trondheim. There is, however, a kosher meat shop near the synagogue in Oslo. Kosher cheese and bread are widely available in shops here, and you can also find a kosher wine called Adom Atic in the state wine shops. Kosher breads made by a company called Den Gode Landhandel are available in health food shops.
Sweden- Stockholm is at the center of the Jewish community in Sweden. Here you will find several different kosher restaurants, including a meat and pareve burger restaurant, and a Kosherian that serves light fare like sandwiches and chips in addition to being a small food mart. The Chabad Lubavitch of Stockholm also has a variety of kosher resources available, and serves a kosher lunch (that requires advance reservations) on weekdays.
Iceland- Iceland, with the smallest Jewish population in the world consisting of only about a dozen people, does not have any kosher restaurants. The diversity of the city of Reykjavic does provide dining options, however. There are several vegetarian restaurants in the city that provide good dining options for Jewish travelers. Additionally, a lot of the food is imported from Britain and Norway, which means that you can find some basics such as locally produced spices, lox, and walsa bread crackers, as well as imported cereal and cookies.
Finland- An excellent source for kosher food within Finland is Avi’s Deli in Helsinki. The owner, Avi, can arrange to have kosher catering delivered to any location within Finland. Contact the restaurant in advance to arrange to have kosher food, including Shabbat meals, delivered to you.
Denmark- You’ll find an array of kosher resources throughout Denmark. The city of Copenhagen has a kosher market called Samson Market. (As they tend to keep unusual hours, it is recommended that you call in advance.) A vegetarian restaurant called RizRaz can be found here too, and is frequented by many locals. Don’t forget to ask which dishes have dairy in them and which do not- there are plenty that don’t. Traveling just about an hour north of Copenhagen, you’ll find a Glatt Kosher Hotel called the Villa Strand. Chabad of Denmark offers Shabbat meals as well.
