Jewish life in Panama is thriving. According to the latest census data Jewish community has about 15,000 people with approximately 80% identifying themselves as Sephardic Jews, and 20% as Ashkenazi Jews. There are five large synagogues in Panama City, - three Sephardic and one Ashkenazi, and a Chabad House. All, except for one of the sephardic synagogues, are located within ten-fifteen minutes walk.

 

If you choose to spent Shabbat at the beach, outside of Panama city, you will find two synagogues in the village of Coronado, a famous beach community with a lot of Jewish and expat residents. Coronado is located approximately 55 miles from Panama City. 25 miles further along the same highway that takes you to Coronado is another beach community, Santa Clara, and another synagogue.

 

Another option is to spend Shabbat at the island of Bocas del Toro. There is a very welcoming Chabad center with synagogue and kosher food.

Finally, if you prefer to spend Shabbat in Boquete, a small town in the picturesque province of Chiriqui, there is a Chabad center, as well.

 

If you plan to attend one of the synagogues for Shabbat or a festival service, it is best to contact synagogue ahead of time to provide a copy of your identification. Although the area of Panama City where most of Jewish community lives is entirely safe, the security is taken very seriously. In addition to the prayer services, some synagogues serve Friday night and Shabbat afternoon meals.

 

Chabbad House holds both Friday night diners and Shabbat afternoon lunches. Beth El, the Ashkenazi synagogue, serves a full Shabbat lunch. At either place a suggested donation is $20 per person.

 

All the synagogues are conveniently located within the walking distance from several highly rated hotels, such as Plaza Paitilla Inn(http://www.plazapaitillainnpanamacity.com/), Las Americas Golden Tower(https://www.lasamericasgoldentower.com/en/), Hard Rock Hotel(https://www.hrhpanamamegapolis.com/),Ocean Club Hotel (http://trump-ocean-club-panama.getpanamacityhotels.com/en/), Radisson Decapolis hotel(https://www.radisson.com/panama-city-hotel-pa-0833-0293/panpcit?facilitatorId=GOOGLEAMERICASLA).

 

In the same neighborhood you will also find two large kosher supermarkets DeliK and SuperKosher with great selection of wine, chalot and prepared food for Shabbat. Multiple kosher restaurants offer prepared Shabbat meals either for delivery or self pick-up. (#Kosher, #Panama, #shabbat, #kosherfood)