The History of Jews in Bahrain

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The island nation of Bahrain has a rich history and its Jewish community has played an important role in. Today, Bahrain has proven to be one of the Arab nations most tolerant of Jews. It is one of the only Arab nations with a synagogue and has Jewish government members.

There has been a Jewish presence in the region for more than a thousand years. There are references to Jews living in the region of modern-day Bahrain in the Talmud as well as other ancient Arabic texts. There are also records of more than 5,000 Jews living in the area during the 1100s, working predominately in the local pearling industry. 

The fate of these ancient Jewish communities is obscure, as the next recorded instance of Jews living in Bahrain occurs in the 1880s. The Jewish Yadgar family were Iraqi traders who moved to the area, settling in Bahrain. They formed a community there, and other families followed. The Yadgar family became major figures in the textile trade and, another Jewish family, the Nonoos, emerged as leadersin the banking industry. The Jewish community built and consecrated a small synagogue in Manama. Upwards of 1,500 Jews called Bahrain home. Jewish businesses were concentrated on Al-Mutanabi Road which was colloquially known as “Jews’ Street” where the shops all closed for Shabbat.

After World War II, anti-British and anti-semitic beliefs began taking hold within Bahrain. On December 5th 1947, violent riots started in Manama in response to the fervor over the Palestinian situation. The mob of rioters looted Jewish businesses and homes, destroyed the city’s synagogue, attacked Jews, and murdered at least one person. There are claims that many of the rioters were foriegn Muslims and not Bahrain natives. In response to the violence, most of Bahrain’s Jews left behind everything and evacuated to Bombay. From there, they settled in Israel and the United Kingdom. This event took a massive toll on Bahrain’s Jewish community, and by 1950 the number of Jews living in the country had dropped to under 500.

In 1967, after the Six-Day War, riots began anew and the vast majority of the Jewish community emigrated out of the country. By the 2000s there were fewer than 50 Jews living in the entirety of Bahrain.

While the Jewish community of Bahrain is small today, they are a thriving part of the middle class, active in both business and politics. The prominence of Jews in Bahrain has been spearheaded by the tolerance of the Bahraini leader King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa. In 2004, Bahrain stopped boycotting Israeli products as part of a free-trade agreement with the USA.

Furthermore, several Jews have served important roles in Bahrain’s politics. Jewish businessman Ebrahim Daoud Nonoo was made a member of the Shura Council, Bahrain’s upper house of parliament in 2000. In 2005, his cousin Houda Ezra Nonoo took his seat in parliament. Houda would also serve as Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2013. In 2010, Nancy Kedouri, a Jewish author, was appointed to fill in Ms. Nonoo’s seat in parliament. 

In 2015, the King of Bahrain officially celebrated Hanukkah with Jews and Muslims together. The director of the Conference of European Rabbis, Rabbi Moshe Levin alongside 50 other Jews joined the king for a candle lighting ceremony. It was the first gathering of its kind since the establishment of the state of Israel.

The Bahrain Synagogue 

Bahrain is one of the only Arab countries on the Arabian gulf with a synagogue. Bahrain’s synagogue is located on Sasa’ah Avenue, Manama in a commercial district. The building was constructed in the 1930s. It was ransacked and burned in 1947. The synagogue underwent substantial renovation in 1996.

There is also a Jewish cemetery that is regularly maintained. Due to the small size of the Jewish community the synagogue has gone through periods of use and disuse. The Jewish community of Bahrain has no rabbi, so religious services must be held with visiting rabbis or be conducted abroad. For many years the synagogue did not have a Torah scroll until Jared Kushner gifted one to the king of Bahrain in 2019. 

In September of 2020, the leaders of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and the United states signed the Abraham Accords. This historic peace agreement normalized relations between the Arab countries and Israel. It opened routes for collaboration, trade, and travel between Israel and Bahrain. This remarkable diplomatic achievement is just the first step towards a greater peace and unity to come.

Peak Jewish Population in Bahrain: 1,500 in 1947

Current Jewish Population in Bahrain: 36

Further Reading:

You can read more about the history of Jews in Bahrain here.

Here is a link to an article about how Bahrain has embraced its Jewish community.

You can read an interview with Jewish author and politician Nancy Khedouri about the history of the Jews in Bahrain here.

You can read a fascinating piece about Jewish politician and ambassador Houda Nonoo here.

You can read about the history and achievements of the entire Nonoo family here.

You can read a first person perspective of the first minyan held in Manama in 70 years here.

You can watch a video about one of Bahrain’s oldest Jewish communities here.

Shabbat in Shanghai: A Personal Account of Jewish Refuges in China

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Jews have had a long history in China. Jewish settlers have been documented in China as early as the 7th or 8th century CE. Many more arrived as refugees from the Russian Revolution of 1917. A surge of European Jews and Jewish families arrives in the late 1930s and 1940s, seeking refuge from the Holocaust in Europe.

I had the unique opportunity to sit down with Franklin Gerechter and discuss his family’s migration from Eastern Europe to Shanghai.

In 1916, Franklin’s mother, Ruth, was born in Madenu, East Prussia. She lived with her parents and sister in a small community with a population of 500. Her parents owned the local department store there. In 1936 they left Germany, moving from Italy to Japan until they finally settled in Shanghai in 1943.

In 1907, Franklin’s father, Gerhard, was born in Berlin. His father was a doctor and very active in German politics and police administration. Around 1933, Gerhard left Germany and lived in France and South America, before returning to Europe. He left Europe again and settled in Japan from 1939-1943. He lived in Kobe and married with one daughter, Eva. He also became active in helping Jews escape Germany via Japan.

In 1941, however, Gerhard’s wife died. A few years later, in 1943, he would leave Japan and went to China. There he met Ruth in Shanghai. Their wedding certificate was printed in Chinese.

In Shanghai, Gerhard worked to send information to the Allies regarding the German plot to deport Jews who lived there. He also spied on Jews who gave information to the Germans in exchange for favorable treatment in Shanghai.

Ruth and Gerhard were far from the only Jews living in Shanghai at the time. Several famous Jews also called China home. The artist, Peter Max, was a child in Shanghai, as was the former Treasury Sect. under President Carter, William Blumenthal.

In 1947, Ruth and Gerhard were able to obtain a sponsor and move to Paterson, New Jersey. Later, Franklin would be born in New York. At the same time, Ruth’s sister’s family was living in Shanghai, but was unable to get a sponsor for entrance into the United States (which was required under the Jewish quotas that existed at the time). As a result, they were sent to Chile, where they lived until 1965, before coming to the USA.

Both Ruth and Gerhard have passed away – Gerhard in 1977 in New York, and Ruth in 2002 in Los Angeles. Their story is a testament to the unwavering resilience and strength of the Jewish people.

The Top Tourist Sites to Visit in Bahrain

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What is your favorite trip you have taken? Why is that trip so special to you?

Bahrain offers a wide range of fun and memorable experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top sites and attractions for tourists visiting Bahrain.

  1. Bahrain National Museum, Manama: This massive museum was opened in 1988 and has become the most popular tourist destination in all of Bahrain. The museum focuses on the history of Bahrain, with an extensive collection of artifacts across the centuries from the many groups that have called the land home. The museum also has rotating galleries and exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.
  2. Royal Camel Farms, Janabiyah: This camel preservation was set up by the late king of Bahrain Sheik Mohammad in order to ensure the species would continue to live in the country. Camels are of deep cultural significance to Bahrain. The wealthiest and most prestigious of the country’s families own camels at the Royal Farm. That being said, all are welcome to see the hundreds of camels that live here.Camel Farm
  3. Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir: Sports fans will love this motor-sports venue that holds a variety of events. The course is used for drag racing, the GP2 series, and the annual Bahrain Grand Prix. It opened in 2004 and that year hosted the first Grand Prix in the Middle East. Racers from all around the world have competed in this arena.
  4. Shawarma Alley, Manama: This block is a little slice of heaven for foodies. The block is lined with stalls, carts, and shops selling a variety of street foods, with Shawarma being the main specialty. It is home to some of the best shawarma makers in the country like Zahlawiya Restaurant and Haifa Cafeteria.
  5. The Gold Souq, Manama: Souqs are a type of Arabic open air market. The Gold Souq was founded over 200 years ago by Indian immigrants to Bahrain. Many of the stalls are still run by the descendants of these immigrants. The souq is considered to be one of the most reasonably priced places to buy golden jewelry. In addition to a great shopping experience, visitors can watch the goldsmiths at work.
  6. Jabal ad Dukhan: Also known as the Mountain of Smoke it is the highest point in Bahrain peaking at 122 miles above sea level. It got its name from a haze that surrounds the mountain on humid days. It is riddled with caves, many of which have yet to be explored. Those that brave the hike up are rewarded with a stunning view of the desert and coast.
  7. Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama: The two 50 story buildings that make up the Bahrain World Trade Center are feats of cutting-edge architecture. The two towers are connected by three sky bridges, each one fitted with a massive wind turbine. These turbines generate sustainable energy that helps to power the building. It is the first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines into its design. Inside is hotel space, restaurants, a business center, a health club, and more.
  8. Al-Areen Wildlife Park Sakhir: This is a nature reserve and a zoo. It is the only protected land in the country. It was established in 1976 and focuses on animals native to Bahrain, though some animals from Africa and Asia are also present. The park also features 100,000 different species of plants.
  9. The Avenues, Manama: The Avenues is a large waterfront shopping center opened in 2017. It was made as a joint venture between partners in Bahrain and Kuwait. It features a variety of shops, gardens, public parks, restaurants, arcades, a jogging track, and more.
  10. National Theatre of Bahrain, Manama: Opened in 2012 this waterside theatre is one of the largest in the Middle East. It has massive main auditorium that can seat over a thousand people and a smaller studio theatre space. It proudly hosts performances by some of the world’s finest artists and holds cultural activities as well.
  11. Jerada: While this looks like a beautiful desert island it is really a tidal sandspit. When the tide is low Jerada is visible and can be walked upon and enjoyed, but when the tide rises the entire sandspit is submerged beneath the oceans. The pristine sand and crystal clear water, alongside its geological uniqueness make Jerada a truly magical place to visit.

The Top Religious, Cultural, and Historic Sites to Visit in Bahrain

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What places do you consider most holy and special? Why?

The nation of Bahrain is home to a variety of sites of great historical and cultural value. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by many different cultures. There are holy sites to multiple religions, natural wonders, and historical places that can be experienced when visiting Bahrain.

  1. Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, Manama: This beautiful mosque is one of the largest in the world. It was built in 1987 in honor of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa. It was constructed from materials from all around the world, with marble from Italy, glass from Austria, and wood from India. In 2006 the National Library of Bahrain was moved inside the mosque, where thousands of rare books are held.
  2. Al Khamis Mosque, Manama: This is the oldest mosque in Bahrain, initially constructed in 692, it has been rebuilt several times throughout the centuries. Its signature feature is a pair of identical minarets.
  3. Siydai Mosque, Muharraq: This mosque is part of the Siyadi complex, a group of buildings constructed by Bahrain’s most influential family of pearl merchants. They constructed the mosque in 1865, it has elaborate decorations typical for the pearling era of Bahrain. The mosque is part of the Bahrain pearling trail, a noted UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  4. Bahrain Synagogue, Manama: Bahrain is one of the only Arab countries in the Persian Gulf that has a synagogue. The synagogue is a small unmarked building in a commercial district. It was built in the early 1900s to serve the small Jewish community in Bahrain. The Jewish community peaked at 1,500 and has diminished to only a handful. At times the synagogue fell into disuse, but in recent years has seen it being used again.
  5. Saint Christopher’s Cathedral, Manama: This Awali Anglican Church was built in 1953. Anglicans first came to Bahrain as part of missionary trips in the 1860s. The community slowly grew, and they eventually secured the money and resources to build a church. In the 1980s the church was elevated to the rank of cathedral.
  6. Matam Ajam Al Kabeer Mosque, Manama: This beautiful mosque blends Persian and Arabian architectural. The outside of the mosque is covered in blue tiles inscribed with quotes from the Quran.
  7. Qal’at al Bahrain/the Fort of Bahrain, Karbabad: This archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area of the site was occupied from 2300 BC to the 1500s AD, different civilizations literally building on top of each other. The oldest constructions were mounds built by the ancient Dilmun empire, the most recent is that actual fort itself which was made by the Portuguese. The site was also occupied by the Greeks, Kassites, and Persians. Antiquities uncovered here have offered important historical information on eras as far back as the bronze age.
  8. The Tree of Life: Also known as the Sharajat-al-Hayat this 32-foot-tall mesquite tree has thrived in the middle of a remote desert. Despite there being no visible water source, this tree has lived for over 400 years. There is no definitive explanation of how the tree has been able to survive. Some believe that the ancient god Enki protects it while others say it marks the spot of what was once the Garden of Eden.
  9. Barbar Temple, Barbar: The ruins of several ancient temples have been found in the village of Barbar. The ruins range in age from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. They are believed to be part of the ancient Dilmun culture. The temples contained multiple altars and had natural water springs. It is believed that they were constructed to worship Enki, the god of wisdom and fresh water.
  10. Bab Al Bahrain, Manama: This building is located at the entrance to the main souq (market) in Manama. The building was constructed in 1949 and once served as the offices of many of the city’s government agencies. The building’s most famous feature is the double archway through which visitors can access the sprawling marketplace.

Peace – Shalem to Shalom – an Exploration of Brotherly Love

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On September 15, 2020, a historic peace agreement, the Abraham Accord, was signed by four countries: Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel and the United States. This peace agreement is truly historic and remarkable for many reasons.

It marks the 3rd and 4th Arab countries to reach peace with Israel and is the first new peace agreement in over 20 years. The first two peace agreements between Arab countries and Israel were in 1979 (Egypt) and 1994 (Jordan). While there have been many efforts for many years, this represents a breakthrough of new ideas and approaches. I believe that this agreement represents the first peace agreement in history between countries that had no prior conflict. The leaders of Bahrain, UAE, Israel and the US helped our countries move past the mystery of history to focus on the promise of prosperity – for our current and future generations.

We should all be very happy with this peace accord. The UAE, Bahrain and Israel are more connected than ever before. Airplanes and phone calls are flying freely between them for the first time. It is truly a dayenu moment. Nevertheless, we should not be fully satisfied. There are other parties that have not yet signed on for peace. We should be determined to invite, encourage and involve all parties in the region to join together to achieve peace and promote prosperity. Peace and love are not finite resources – they have infinite capacity. The more people you love, the more love you have to give; love simply expands. The more peace partners you have, the more peace you can create; peace simply expands.

This peace agreement is just the beginning of the new chapter of the Middle East.

I would like to explore the Torah to understand how this peace was achieved.

The book of Genesis explores conflict between brothers and concludes with such conflict resolved by the bonds of brotherly love.

Genesis begins with two brothers by the same parents who hate each other, Cain and Abel. Cain kills Abel in a fit of jealousy. When he is asked about Abel’s whereabouts, he callously replies “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This sense of contempt pervades the sibling rivalries in Genesis.

Later in Genesis, Abraham’s children are born. Due to Sarah’s inability to conceive a child, Abraham fathers a son, Ishmael, with his slave Hagar. God promises Hagar that Ishmael will father a great nation. Later, Sarah conceives, and Isaac is born. God also promises that Isaac will father a great nation. Isaac and Ishmael are brothers by different mothers. However, they are separated when they are young and do not develop a brotherly bond.

Jacob had 12 sons by four different mothers. Early on, the brothers did not get along. Joseph was clearly Jacob’s favorite. When he was given the gift of the technicolor coat, it solidified the hatred and rage his brothers felt towards him. In Genesis 37, Jacob asks Joseph to look for his brothers and see after their Shalom as well as the Shalom of their flocks.

For context, Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם‎ shalom; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.

This is the first time in Genesis that a brother is looking for the shalom of his brothers. In addition, Jacob also asks Joseph to look after the Shalom of his brothers’ flocks. It is more than just brothers; it is also the well-being of the entire community that Jacob cares about.

When Joseph encounters a stranger who asks what is he looking for, Joseph replies “I am seeking my brothers and where they are grazing their flocks.”

Genesis concludes when Joseph and his brothers resolve their differences and embrace brotherly love.

I want to explore the words “hole” and “whole” in the context of “Shalom” and “Shalem.” When you add a “w” to “hole” it becomes whole. The “w” represents “We” which is community. Thus adding “We” creates wholeness and enables a community to create peace. Our four countries are like brothers by different mothers, with care and considerations for our collective flocks, we can pursue and achieve peace.

I hope that we can all invite and encourage the collective “we” to join together in seeking both shalom and shalem, the peace and wholeness of our brothers and flocks to make this an even better world.

Further Reading:

Cain and Abel: Brothers “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:1-2 

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and Eve conceived and bore Cain, and said: ‘I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.’ And again she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.” 

Genesis 4:8-9 

“And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain: ‘Where is Abel thy brother?’ And he said: ‘I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?’”


Isaac and Ishmael: Brothers by a different mother

Genesis 16:10-11 

And the angel of the LORD said unto her: ‘I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her: ‘Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son; and thou shalt call his name Ishmael, because the LORD hath hard thy affliction.’”

Genesis 21:1-3 

“And the LORD remembered Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as He had spoken. And Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.” 

Genesis 17:19 

“And God said: ‘Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.’” 

Genesis 17:20
“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee; behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.”

Genesis 21:9-10 

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, making sport. Wherefore she said unto Abraham: ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.’” 


Joseph: Brothers by different mothers… and their flock

Genesis 35:22-26

“Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: the sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun; the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin; and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid: Dan and Naphtali; and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid: Gad and Asher. These are the songs of Jacob, that were born to him in Paddan-aram.” 

Genesis 37:3-4 

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” 

Genesis 37:13-17 

“And Israel said unto Joseph: ‘Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send thee unto them.’ And he said to him: ‘Here am I.’ And he said to him: ‘Go now, see whether it is Shalom with thy brethren, and Shalom with the flock; and bring me back word.’ So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying: ‘What seekest thou?’ And he said: ‘I seek my brethren. Tell me, I pray thee, where they are feeding the flock.’ And the man said: ‘They are departed hence; for I heard them say: Let us go to Dothan.’ And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.” 

Genesis 50:17 

“So shall ye say unto Joseph: Forgive, I pray thee now, the transgression of thy brethren, and their sin, for that they did unto thee evil. And now, we pray thee, forgive the transgression of servants of the God of thy father.’ And Joseph wept when they spoke unto him.” 

Top Tourist Sites to Visit in the United Arab Emirates

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What is your favorite trip you have taken? Why is that trip so special to you?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a wide range of fun and memorable experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top sites and attractions for tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates.

  1. Burji Khalifa, Dubai: This skyscraper is the world’s tallest building. It was finished in 2010 and stands at 2,717 feet tall with 162 floors. It was named to honor the president of Abu Zaby the emirate neighboring Dubai. It has multiple observation decks and is surrounded by a large park. It holds restaurants, a hotel, residential floors, a wellness center, and the world’s highest swimming pool.
  2. Dubai Fountain, Dubai: Right outside of the Burj Khalifa lies the Dubai Fountain, a stunning piece of art and technological wonder. The fountain contains dozens of water jets, thousands of lights, and over 20 projectors. When combined, the Dubai Fountain puts on water and light shows choreographed to a variety of songs. The fountain’s displays can be seen from over 20 miles away and it can launch water up to 500 feet in the air.
  3. Burj Al Arab, Dubai: This luxury hotel is the seventh tallest hotel in the world. It stands on a private island connected to the mainland of Dubai and is shaped to resemble a ship’s sail. The hotel offers some of the most luxurious and elegant amenities one can find. There are 6 restaurants, a private beach, a helicopter shuttle service and more. It is often referred to as the only seven-star hotel in the world.
  4. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai: Dubai is home to one of the most impressive aquariums in the world. There is a massive central tank that holds over 100 different species of marine life. They also have a 48-meter-long tunnel running through an aquarium tank that you can walk through, surrounded by the ocean life all around you. The aquarium has everything from sharks, penguins, crocodiles, and more.
  5. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai: This shopping mall was built in 2005, when it opened it was the largest mall in the world. The mall boasts over 800 retail outlets and more than 100 restaurants. It also contains such offerings as an indoor ski resort, the Olympic sized Dubai ice rink, a community theatre and art centre, the 14-screen Reel Cinema multiplex, a roller coaster, an arcade, a carousel,  EKart Zabeel’s next generation electric go cart track, and the Middle East’s first ever VR park.
  6. Dubai Opera, Dubai: Dubai Opera is a multi-format performing arts centre and theatre. It is the first theatre of it’s kind in Dubai. The theatre has hosted world renown operas, singers, and other performers. It can also be used for galas, weddings, and fashion shows. The building is shaped like a dhow, a type of Arabic boat. The theatre is an architectural marvel that can be transformed into three different modes as needed. It can be a traditional theater, a concert hall, or be turned into flat floor event hall.
  7. Ski Dubai, Dubai: When most people think of skiing, they think of snow covered mountains, but you can actually go skiing in the heart of the Middle East. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort. The building is kept between -1 and 2 degrees Celsius year round to maintain the snow. There are 5 slopes of varying lengths including the world’s first indoor black diamond.
  8. Desert Safaris, Dubai: There are a variety of companies that offer tourists the chance to explore the sandy deserts of Dubai. These tours consist of a mix of driving and riding on camels. They frequently include traditional food, belly dancing, fire shows, and more. I recommend doing an evening tour, seeing the sunset and stars in the desert is a breathtaking experience.
  9. Al Safadi Restaurant, Dubai: Al Safadi is a local chain of restaurants that serve traditional Lebanese food. They make some of the best Lebanese food in all of Dubai. The delicious dishes they make include shawarma, hummus, grilled halloumi cheese, and a Lebanese flatbread called manakish. If you get the chance to eat here, I highly recommend it, it’s an incredible culinary experience.
  10. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi: The Louvre is synonymous with France, but did you know they have a location in the United Arab Emirates as well. This art museum was opened in 2017 and was inaugurated by French president Emmanuel Macron. The new Louvre is part of a 30-year partnership between the two Louvres and the two nations. It is the largest museum on the Arabian peninsula and holds a wide range of both Eastern and Western art.
  11. Dubai Creek Dhow Ride, Dubai: Dhows are a traditional form of wooden boats that have been built and used in Dubai for centuries. There are a variety of companies and tour groups that offer trips along the Dubai Creek, a water way that runs through the heart of the city. One can see the sights of the both the old city and the new hypermodern developments. Additionally, many tours offer onboard dinner and traditional entertainment.
  12. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai: This wildlife sanctuary protects a region of wetland on the edge of Dubai. It is a stopping point for large numbers of migratory birds. It also hosts a wide range of animals in its local ecosystem. Its most famous residents are the hundreds of greater flamingos that call the park home. These pink birds have become the unofficial mascots for conservation efforts in Dubai.
  13. Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: This beautiful white sand beach sits on the Persian Gulf. The beach is open to the public and is a popular spot for visitors to Dubai. In addition to the natural splendor of the beach itself, it is lined with hotels, shopping complexes, resorts, and restaurants.

The Top Cultural and Historic Sites to Visit in the United Arab Emirates

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How many different countries have you been to? Which country was your favorite to visit? Why?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) features a mix of the traditional and modern. Historical sites stand next to modern works of wonder. There are a variety of fascinating places to visit in the United Arab Emirates.

 

  1. Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai: The fort is the oldest building in Dubai, built in 1787. It was first used as premises for the monarch, but was later adapted to hold prisoners and serve as an arsenal. In 1971 the fort was turned into the Dubai Museum. Visitors to the museum can learn about the history and traditions of Dubai.
  2. Jazirat Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah: This abandoned town serves as both a historical relic and an open-air museum. The town was built in 1830 on a tidal island. The town’s primary income was a small fleet of pearling boats. In 1914 the town became a part of Ras Al Khaimah, but the locals were in frequent conflict with its rulers. In 1968 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan offered the locals of Jazirat Al Hamra to move to Abu Dhabi. The local residents accepted and left behind the village, now preserved in the sand. Further increasing its allure to tourists are rumors that the village is haunted by ghosts.
  3. Hatta Heritage Village, Dubai: This is a reconstruction of a traditional mountain village. It is located in the Hatta mountains. The area the village is located on has held villages for over two thousand years, but the newest version was completed in 2001. The interior of many of the village’s 30 buildings are modern though they all have ancient styled façades. Visiting is a great opportunity to learn about Dubai’s rural heritage.
  4. Al Bastakiya, Dubai: Also known as the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, this is a historic district in Dubai. The neighborhood was built in 1890 by Persian immigrants to the area. Over half of the original neighborhood was demolished, but the rest has been preserved partially due to an effort by British architect Rayner Otter to save it. The neighborhood has traditional Arabic restaurants and cafes, galleries, and even the Coffee Museum.
  5. Dhow Yard, Ajman: A dhow is a type of Arabic wooden boat, they have been constructed and sailed for centuries. The dhow yard in Ajman is the largest operating dhow yard in the world. Here they make both traditional dhows and a variety of more modern boats. Visitors can see boats in all stages of construction.
  6. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah: This museum contains thousands of artifacts of different Islamic cultures from across the world. Such rare items include a copy of the Koran owned by the third Caliph Uthman ibn Affan. They also have exhibits dedicated to the role the Islamic world has played in global scientific and technological development.
  7. Qasr Al Muwaiji, Abu Dhabi: This impressive fortress stands watch over a beautiful desert oasis. The fort was built in the early 20th century by Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa al Nahyan. It is the birthplace of the current president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
  8. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai: This is an artificial archipelago on the edge of Dubai. It was created using a mix of ocean sand and rocks from the mainland. Construction began in 2004 and by 2007 full time residents arrived. When viewed from above Palm Jumeriah looks like a giant palm tree. The archipelago holds a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
  9. Spice Souk, Dubai: Souks are traditional Arabic marketplaces. As its name suggests this souk specializes in selling spices. Aromatic ingredients from across the world are on display for anyone to buy. It is particularly known for being one of the cheapest places to buy saffron, earning it the nickname Aziz Saffron.
  10. Burji Khalifa, Dubai: This skyscraper is the world’s tallest building. It was finished in 2010 and stands at 2,717 feet tall with 162 floors. It was named to honor the president of Abu Zaby the emirate neighboring Dubai. It has multiple observation decks and is surrounded by a large park. It holds restaurants, a hotel, residential floors, a wellness center, and the world’s highest swimming pool.

Top Religious Sites in the United Arab Emirates

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What places do you consider most holy and special? Why?

The United Arab Emirates is a land with a diverse and fascinating history. A variety of people and cultures call it home. Important sites to many religions including Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Sikhism can be found there.

  1. Grand Mosque, Dubai: The original mosque was built in 1900, but it was rebuilt in 1998. The Grand Mosque is central to religious and cultural life of Dubai’s Muslim community. It has the highest minaret in all of Dubai at 70 meters high. It also boasts over 50 domes.
  2. Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque/Iranian Mosque, Dubai: This gorgeous mosque was built in 1979. It is heavily influenced by Persian architectural styles. The exterior is covered in brilliant and colorful mosaics.
  3. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi: This is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. The building is over 30 acres large. Work on the mosque started in 1996 and was competed in 2007. It is the resting place of former UAE president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The mosque has many unique and impressive features. This includes the world’s largest carpet and the third largest chandelier in the world.
  4. Shiva and Krishna Mandir, Dubai: This is the only Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s Hindu population was given permission to build a temple in 1958 by Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed al Maktoum. The temple was constructed on the top floor of a shopping center known as Bur Dubai Old Souk. Over time the temple expanded, taking over the stores it was built over. The complex’s commercial origins can still be seen in the structure’s architecture and design.
  5. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubai: In 1967 Fr. Eusebio Daveri built the Church of the Assumption in Dubai. The church’s foundation stone was laid by Sheikh Rashid. However, over the decades the Catholic population of Dubai grew, and the church was too small to serve them all. It was replaced with St Mary’s Catholic Church and rededicated in 1989.
  6. Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple, Dubai: This temple was constructed in 2012 and is the main house of worship for the 50,000 Sikh residents of Dubai. It contains a mixture of classical and modern architecture, a beautiful symbol of peace and harmony between different traditions. Its design is heavily inspired by India’s Golden Temple.
  7. Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai: This mosque was built in 1976 by Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Its exterior is made entirely from white stone. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and is part of the “Open Doors, Open Minds” program of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. It is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai.
  8. Al Badiyah Mosque, Al Badiyah: This is the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, dating back to 1446. Little is known about the mosque’s origins and early history. The mosque is also unique in that it has only 4 domes, fewer than most other mosques. Qurans and other holy texts are stored in large cubes cut out of the mosque walls.
  9. Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah: This mosque sits beside the beautiful Khaled lagoon. It is constructed in the Ottoman style of design and was heavily inspired by Turkey’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The mosque holds the world record for the largest wooden charity box.
  10. Derasar Jain Temple, Dubai: This house temple is the primary place of worship for Dubai’s sizable Jain population. House temples are shrines to Jain deities set up in private homes. This temple is on the 6th floor of the Musalla residential tower.

Top 10 Muslim Sites in the Holy Land

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What places do you consider most holy and special? Why?

The Holy Land is full of sites of cultural, religious, and historic significance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Some of the most important locations in the Muslim world can be found in the Holy Land. Here are some of the top Muslim sites to visit in the Holy Land.

  1. The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem: Islam’s third holiest site sits on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. This shrine was completed in 692 AD. Inside is the foundation stone that marks the spot where the prophet Muhammad began his Night Journey. It also said that the foundation stone was the first thing God created when forming the world. The building is decorated with beautiful mosaics and its sparkling golden dome has become an iconic part of Jerusalem’s skyline.
  2. Dome of the Ascension, Jerusalem: This small free-standing stone domed structure is located just to the north of the Dome of the Rock. It also marks the spot where the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven. It is part of the Muslim Prayer Route. It’s not known who built it or when, but it was rebuilt and rededicated as a Muslim holy site in 1200 AD.
  3. Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem: This silver domed mosque sits on the Temple Mount. It was completed in 705 AD and is the second oldest mosque in the world and one of the holiest sites in Islam. Its name literally means “the farthest” and is interpreted to mean the farthest from Mecca. This is because during the prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey he was transported from the Great Mosque of Mecca to Al-Aqsa. The 35 acres compound the mosque is a part of is called Al Haram Ash Sharif t which means “The Noble Sanctuary.”
  4. Mosque of Omar, Jerusalem: This mosque is located across from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It was constructed in the 12th century on the site where Caliph Omar Ibn al-Khattab accepted Jerusalem’s surrender from the Byzantine’s in 638 AD. Omar traveled to Jerusalem to accept the surrender of the city’s Patriarch. The Patriarch offered Caliph Omar to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, but Omar knew that if he did so the church would lose its Christian status. He decided to preserve the church’s status and prayed in the courtyard. The spot where he prayed is where the mosque was built.
  5. The Lady Tonsok Palace Façade, Jerusalem: Lady Tonsok was the wife of the Mameluk ruler Muthaffar al-Din. She dedicated the façade of their palace to a group of Muslim mystics called the Sufi Order in the 14th While the palace’s facade has suffered erosion some of the beautiful inlaid marbled doorways are still visible.
  6. The Muslim Quarter, Jerusalem: The Muslim Quarter is the largest of the four neighborhoods that make up Jerusalem’s Old City. The Muslim Quarter is a bustling hub for pilgrims and shoppers alike. There are many beautiful buildings from a range of architectural traditions. The Quarter is also known for its grand markets full of vendors selling spices, clothing, souvenirs, traditional foods, and much more.
  7. The Old City Souk, Jerusalem: In the center of the Muslim Quarter lies a particularly large sprawling open air market. This is Suq al-Qattatin, considered to be the most beautiful of the souk markets. It is a covered bazaar that specializes in cotton merchants. Cloth of every shape and color line this labyrinthine market.
  8. Sanctuary of Abraham/Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi/The Tomb of Patriarchs, Hebron: This is the fourth holiest site in Islam. The tomb itself is a series of caves purchased by Abraham as a burial plot. It is also the site of the Ibrahimi Mosque, built in 1188. There is a footprint in a corner of the mosque that is believed to have been left by Mohammad himself during his Night Journey.
  9. The Tomb of Samuel-Nebi Samuel, Nabi Samwil: This is the tomb of the prophet Samuel. Samuel shifted Israel from being ruled by judges to be ruled by kings. He anointed both King Saul and King David. The tomb is built on the ruins of a church and contains a Mosque and small synagogue beneath it; truly a place sacred to Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike.
  10. El-Jazzar Mosque, Acre: Also known as the White Mosque, it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and was named after an Ottoman Bosnian governor named Ahmad Pasah el-Jazzar. The mosque was built in 1781. Most of the building’s materials were harvested from the ruins of Caesarea and Atlit. The mosque houses the Sha’r an-Nabi, a lock of hair from the prophet Muhammad’s beard.

Passover Wisdom From Joan Rivers

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The late great comedian Joan Rivers was known for her quick wit and biting insights. She was also the child of Russian-Jewish immigrants and was deeply proud of her Jewish heritage.

Joan Rivers was a frequent guest on the Martha Stewart Show where she was happy to share her thoughts about the Jewish holidays alongside a heaping helping of her patented humor.

Joan Rivers and some adorable dogs made a particularly memorable appearance on the show to give an entertaining and enlightening explanation of Passover. She truly captured the spirit of making the holiday magical, memorable, and meaningful. I encourage you to watch this hilarious performance.

You can also watch Joan Rivers and Martha Stewart make Passover matzo houses here.