The Old Synagogue — Attraction in Ouarzazate

Jews have been in Morocco for over two thousand years and yet there is little documentation of the rich legacy the community left behind. The Old Synagogue in Ouerzazate is the embodiment of one family trying to make a difference. Located in the Médina of Ouerzazate, The Old Synagogue doesn’t look like much from the outside but actually contains a HUGE collection of Jewish objects representing the history and culture of Amazigh Jews (religious objects, books, blankets, jewelry, jellabas, tea trays, etc.) over four floors and a multitude of rooms. The Synagogue and its contents belong to our young guide’s family whose grandfather was Jewish and worshipped here. Once the Jewish population left Morocco (at the beginning of the 20th century, Morocco had approximately 250,000 Jews but after waves of departures at the time of the creation of Israel in 1948, their number has been reduced to only 2,000 today), this family realized the importance of preserving this vital history (which is Moroccan history) and began purchasing these items which had been left behind and were now in Muslim possession. Our guide took us through the building explaining in English objects, symbolism, use of rooms, and answering our questions. This really was one of the highlights of our 45-day trip and a visit that should not be missed. We gladly tipped our guide at conclusion and made a donation to the Synagogue/museum. The overall experience was so much more informative than most of the other stops we had...

IMPRESSIVE, GENUINE, MYSTIQUE. An escape from reality to the ancient history of Jewish Berber moroccan communities. This is a really magical place located in Médina of Ouerzazate. An unbelievable legacy of their past is kept here in a really authentic space. It a pity that a such of amazing world heritage is not put in the true deserved light! A family try to keep alive their legacy which is belongs to the whole world legacy.. The inside artefacts which have an purely outstanding value, are condensed in a few square meters, far away from properly conditions. Benhamou family and its members, are working hard and they are doing their best to preserve all this compound and all its richness! Really appreciate their efforts in this mission! Abdul Benhamou is an enthusiast young man who is fighting in, a great person who is dedicated to accomplish it...personally I am wishing to succeed! A great guide who is presenting in details all the corners and the functions of the house, Rabin 's house, Jewish Berber' s school. Breathtakingly and fascinating space...Strongly recommended to visit in Médina of Ouerzazate.. Even the neighbourhood is not so friendly like other restaurated Médinas,, such like a Fes one. This is one of the historical sites from all around the world with a huge potential, if no one cares about these magical treasures, one day everything will be just a sad history and a...

To be fair, it was the best tour I've ever had. I was heavily looking for a place where I can discover and learn more Jewish heritage in Morocco and this place surly did not disappoint. Ayoub, our tour guide, knows a lot about the history of the place, Moroccan history, as well as Mulim-jewish and Berber (Amazigh) traditions and culture in the area. He speaks good English and he explains things very well. He showed us the whole place and he also took us pictures.

I'd recommend you go there around 10, 11ish. We went early and we had to wait for 35 minutes or so. Nonetheless, it was worth it!

I saw a review that says the tour is free, well, we were not asked to give money. However, please consider tipping the guy very well. Being very kind, and sharing valuable knowledge is worth paying for!

That said, consider visiting this synagogue if you ever find yourself in Ouarzazate especially if you are interested in the history of Morocco. Also, for researchers, this also might be a very good place for data collection, as the synagogue contains historical books that dates to...