Life in West Beirut

West Beirut, particularly the Wadi Abu Jamil district, was the heart of Jewish life in Lebanon for generations. Located near the central business district, it was a vibrant neighborhood where Jewish families lived, worked, and practiced their traditions.

The area featured several synagogues, including the grand Maghen Abraham Synagogue, educational institutions, and numerous businesses. Beyond being a religious enclave, it was a place of cultural exchange where Lebanese Jews interacted with their Christian and Muslim neighbors, contributing to Beirut's reputation as a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city.

Market Day

Neighborhood Streets

Business District

Lebanese Jewish Cuisine

The culinary traditions of Lebanese Jews reflect a beautiful fusion of Jewish dietary practices with the flavors and techniques of Lebanese cuisine. These recipes have been passed down through generations, preserving a unique aspect of cultural heritage.

Hamoud

A traditional Shabbat stew cherished in the Lebanese Jewish community, known for its hearty, comforting flavors. Slow-cooked overnight, it blends meat, vegetables, and legumes in a tangy broth, offering both nourishment and warmth for the Sabbath meal.

Key Ingredients:

• Beef or lamb
• Chickpeas
• Potatoes
• Swiss chard or spinach
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Olive oil

Sambusak

A beloved savory pastry filled with cheese, chickpeas, or meat, often prepared for holidays and special occasions.

Key Ingredients:

• Semolina flour
• Feta cheese
• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil

Kosher Kibbeh

A Lebanese Jewish adaptation of the classic Lebanese dish, prepared according to kosher dietary laws.

Key Ingredients:

• Bulgur wheat
• Ground beef
• Pine nuts
• Middle Eastern spices

Judaism in the Lebanese Context

Judaism in Lebanon evolved with distinct characteristics that reflected both traditional religious practices and adaptation to local culture. Lebanese Jews primarily followed Sephardic traditions, influenced by both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Jewish customs.

Religious life centered around several synagogues, the most prominent being the Maghen Abraham Synagogue in Beirut, built in the 1920s and recently restored. Religious education was provided through community schools, where children learned Hebrew alongside Arabic and French.

While maintaining religious traditions, Lebanese Jews were well-integrated into the country's social fabric, participating in national life while preserving their unique identity. This balanced approach to tradition and integration characterized the Lebanese Jewish experience throughout much of the community's history.

June 14, 1951: Rabbis pose at Maghen Abraham Synagogue. From left: Rafoul (son of Daoud KHASKI), Elyahou (son of Selim KHABIEH-ZEYTOUNY), Lebanon's Chief Rabbi Ben-Zion LITCHMAN, Mourad (son of Yaacoub ALFIEH), and Toufic (son of Abraham COBERSSY-LEVY).

Rabbis of Lebanon

Synagogue of Bhamdoun Interior

Holiday Celebration

Lebanese Jewish Family Heritage

The tapestry of Lebanese Jewish community was woven from numerous families who contributed to the country's cultural, economic, and social landscape. Many of these families have histories in Lebanon spanning generations before diaspora.

Notable Lebanese Jewish Families

And many more...