Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas — Attraction in Charlotte Amalie

I’m sure the synagogue is beautiful and the history of it is very interesting, but we were denied entry because we didn’t have our vaccine cards on us. They do not list that as a requirement on their website and they did not tell us over the phone when we called to inquire about a tour (although they strangely tried to argue vehemently that they did- somehow my husband and I BOTH “missed” that when we spoke to them on speaker before we arrived..) While they were apologetic, the request was unreasonable. It was unpleasant to have them shout down to us through a locked gate while we stood below them with our confused, sweaty young children in the sizzling island sun. We had walked up the steep hill with young children who were admirably excited to see this historic site, but were thoroughly puzzled and hurt when the volunteers refused to let us in.

They also refused entrance to another family we bumped into who had unvaccinated children between age 5 and 10. These are bizarre requirements given that the island only requires proof of negative testing. If an establishment decides they want to go far beyond the entry requirements to the island, they need to make that ABUNDANTLY clear for all visitors before barring them at the gate like lepers. Despicable behavior that is a disgraceful representation of the hospitality and logical, rational thought that Judaism is known for. We walked away with the sizable donation we were planning to give to the synagogue in our pockets and used it instead to buy souvenirs from the local...

I talked to the warden in my visit right after it opened at 9:30 am (on Dec. 27, 2023). The formal tour requires a minimum of 4 when there was only me. So, I was not really given a formal tour though the nice warden talked with me quite a bit on and off.

But it seemed to me that he was worried about the security of the Congregation, presumably due to what had happened in Israel and Gaza. He told me quite a few things. When I asked him whether the sand on the floor was really symbolic for the Exodus of Egypt, he said that there might be 5 stories which are all true, including the fact that the sand wouldn't create much noise when the fishermen stepped in with their...

Anyone visiting the island of St. Thomas should plan a visit to the Hebrew Congregation. My friend and I stopped by the congregation in July and were astounded. The synagogue had a sand floor, honoring the Sephardic tradition. Once inside, my friend and I were given a personal tour by Agi. She told us the entire history of the Jewish faith in the Caribbean. We were even shown the Czech Memorial scroll from the Holocaust. I myself am not Jewish, but was fascinated by the history. The building was beautiful and the staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable. I highly recommend visiting The Hebrew Congregation...