Island Life: Exploring Jewish Curacao
Island Life: Exploring Jewish Curacao
Explore the vibrant island of Curaçao, learn all about the Jewish community, and celebrate 375 years of Jewish life in Curacao. Highlights will include visiting the Jewish Museum, attending Shabbat services and dinner at the 1732 Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue—the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas, connecting with the local community through meaningful service projects, a salsa class and more!
Important Information:
– Trip dates: October 30-November 3, 2026
– Cost of trip to students: $500, finances should not be a barrier! Please still apply and be in touch to discuss
– Open to Class of 2027, 2028, 2029
– This trip will accommodate Kashrut and Shabbat observances, be in touch with questions
– See below for a full description of this experience, including FAQs, and to apply
– Application due Sunday, September 20th! (Since we have a quick turnaround after the application deadline, we encourage you to apply early so we have time to schedule a coffee chat and get to know you better.)
Still have questions? Scroll down to the FAQ or Email Rachel (Rachel@hillel.columbia.edu) or Liana (Liana@hillel.columbia.edu)
FAQ
Each day will include a balance of exploring Jewish life in Curacao and learnign about the island’s history and rich culture.
All meals that are provided on this trip will be vegetarian or pescatarian. We can accommodate all Kashrut needs (please see below question about Kashrut).
This experience is heavily subsidized by CBHillel, so the cost to students is $500. We do not want finances to be a barrier, so please be in touch with us to discuss scholarship options, and please still apply!
We will be spending one Shabbat with the Curacao Jewish community. Planned activities will be fully Shabbat-observant. Friday night services and Shabbat dinner will be at the Mikve Israel Emanuel (MIE) synagogue, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas.
Yes!! For those who need Orthodox certified food for all meals, we can arrange meals from Chabad of Curacao. Please be in touch about your specific needs so we can work with you.
Curacao Application
