Casablanca

Casablanca (Spanish for “White House” and generally abbreviated by locals as “Casa”) The Jewish Museum (Musée du Judaïsme Marocain) — Located in the suburb of Oasis, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism this museum is one of only two Jewish museums in the Muslim world (the other being in Istanbul) and the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world.

This recently renovated museum of history and ethnography features artifacts –including Torah scrolls, Chanukah lamps, photographs, carpets and kaftans – that trace Morocco’s Jewish history. It’s a smaller museum, though it has some real treasures. Casablanca Jewish Synagogue – Beth El — This is the main Synagogue in Casablanca known as Beth El (sometimes referred to as Bet El, particularly in Marrakesh where another in Synagogue is known as Beth El).

This was once the main synagogue of more than 30 that were sprinkled throughout Casablanca. Of note is the beautiful Marc Chagall-inspired stained glass. Sunlight pours in, tinted in multicolor from this stained glass, and shimmers off an enormous central crystal chandelier, creating a rainbow-like effect across the entire synagogue. There are ancient Hebrew scrolls on display and gilded quotes from the Torah inscribed on the walls.