Beth El Synagogue
The Ashkenazi community in Panama City was founded in the 1940's, with a handful of Jewish families who immigrated before the Second World War.
For a number of years they congregated in individual homes, until they purchased a building in 1946, which was used as a Jewish club.
In 1960 (approx.) the community purchased a lot, in a residential area called Obarrio, where the Synagogue functions till today. In 1990 the Synagogue was remodeled.
The community has grown considerably and has plans to move its location within the next two of years. A new piece of land has been purchased in Paitilla, where work is already being done for the building of a new Ashkenazi community center.
At present the membership is a mix of Jews who are Panamanian and many others who have emigrated over the last number of years, mainly from Columbia , Argentina , Uruguay and Peru . We are now seeing some families coming from The U.S.A., Canada and Venezuela .
The community is vibrant and active, with a membership of 225 families, many of which have young children.
Beth El is an Orthodox synagogue, however its membership body is made up of Jews who are at all levels of observance. We encourage Jewish involvement and practice, not withstanding we welcome all Jews.