- may be the oldest Mikvah in the Americas, dating back to 1660!
(Bridgetown, Barbados), June 16th, 2008 – Visitors to the new Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum in Bridgetown, Barbados will be rewarded with the sight of a recently excavated Mikvah, an ancient spiritual bath used for purifying the body, discovered during an archeological dig beside the existing Synagogue. Constructed by the Sephardic Jews, who fled to Barbados from Dutch-owned Recife, Brazil in 1627, the Mikvah is fed by a natural spring, and was hidden to the residents of Barbados as it was covered by a parking lot since the mid 1850’s.
The 17th century Mikvah is 12 feet deep, by four feet wide and is floored with red granite tiles, flanked by alcoves where lamps were thought to illuminate it. Marble, granite and slate clad steps would have been used by women who would have disrobed before they entered the Mikvah as part of the bathing ritual. Archeologists stumbled across the ancient relic during an archeological dig in the grounds of the Synagogue with the intention of locating a former Rabbi’s house, which was documented as being within the Synagogue grounds, adjacent to the cemetery. Excavations led students at the site to locate a step, which was the first of the full flight of steps, later revealing the Mikvah in its entirety.
Not commonly known is that Barbados is the location of the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, also dating back to the 17th century. The beautiful coral stone Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum opened its doors this year, and plays an important role in teaching visitors about Jewish culture on the island of Barbados. This fascinating story is conveyed through colorful panel displays and multi-media presentations. Additionally, glass enclosed artifacts discovered in the cemetery are exhibited on a bed of sand. The original Jewish settlers who built the 17th century synagogue were skilled in the sugar industry and quickly introduced crop and cultivation skills to the Barbadians. For more information visit www.visitbarbados.org.
Visitors to Barbados right now can see the Mikvah at the Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum and take advantage of a great ‘Best of Barbados’ promotional rate, valid for bookings from now until August 1st for travel between September 1 – November 30, 2008. The package includes: a $200 air credit per person; first night free (minimum of seven nights based on a maximum of two people per room); free full breakfast daily; a $25.00 voucher for dinner for two at Oistins Fish Fry; one free car-rental day at participating car-rental companies when two or more days are purchased; buy one ticket, get the 2nd half-off at participating attractions; plus high-value discounts at numerous retail stores in Bridgetown. Participating hotels and attractions include the new Almond Casuarina Beach, The Crane, Treasure Beach, as well as, the George Washington House, Arlington House Museum, plus the Island Safari Lunch Cruise. Further information on the 2008 Best of Barbados package and a list of participating hotels, restaurants and attractions can be found at www.visitbarbados.org or by calling the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1(800) 221-9831. For reservations, consumers should contact their preferred travel agent.
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