www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org is a resource page by the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation (RJHF), a small 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1997 together with the Jewish Museum of Rhodes by Aron Hasson, a third-generation Rhodesli based in Los Angeles. The website’s purpose is to preserve the unique history of the Jews of Rhodes by providing information to visitors and descendants, now for 27 years.
With the campaign and efforts to preserve the Rhodes Jewish heritage, between 1997 and 2008, the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation (RJHF), in collaboration with the Jewish Community of Rhodes (JCR), fulfilled the restoration and expansion project by converting the Kahal Shalom synagogue’s vacant women’s prayer rooms into a museum and the restoration of the ancient tombstones of the Jewish cemetery. In 2006, the Jewish Museum of Rhodes reopened and continues to this day. As the RJHF became a repository of artifacts and images from Rhodesli families, it equipped the Jewish Museum of Rhodes with many historical items, including printed materials for conservation and educational purposes. To date, about 200 artifacts from the RJHF Collection have been transferred to the Museum as its permanent depository.
As a “keeper of memory,” the RJHF continues to fulfill archival and collaborative projects involving research, artifact collection and reacquisition, document transliteration/translation, publication, and traveling exhibitions. These crucial endeavors are made possible thanks to the donations and support of individuals like you, who believe in the importance of preserving the Rhodes Jewish heritage for the future.
The Jewish Community of Rhodes (JCR). Their website: www.jewishrhodes.org
The JCR’s Administrative Committee:
President: Claudia Restis
Vice President: Yomtov Robissa
Secretary General: Daniel Benardout
Director: Carmen Cohen
The Kahal Shalom Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes located on Dosiadou & Simiou Streets, Old Town, Rhodes 85100, Greece.
What hours are the synagogue and museum open?
The synagogue and museum hours: 10 am to 3 pm, from April 1 through October 31, and are closed on Saturdays and State holidays. The admission fee is 6 euros per person (free entrance for children under 12). During the “winter season” starting November 1, the synagogue museum are closed, although arrangements may be possible by contacting the JCR, who manages and maintains these premises: jcrhodes@otenet.gr (or phone: 30-22410-22364).
*For information about tours, contact: jcrhodes@otenet.gr or rhodes.synagogue.tours@gmail.com
Isaac Habib does the personal walking tours of the synagogue, museum, and the Jewish Quarter of Rhodes.
*Please note that the tour schedule is subject to change based on availability, holidays, etc.
For inquiries and to schedule a group visit, contact: jcrhodes@otenet.gr or rhodes.synagogue.tours@gmail.com (telephone: +30 22410-22364)
From May to October, the cemetery is open from 8 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, closed on Saturday and Sunday. The cemetery is outside the Old City of Rhodes along the main road to Kallithea. It’s 10 minutes to drive there from the Old City, and a taxi station is outside the Jewish Quarter next to the “Marine Gate.”
There are several pensions in the Old City in the former Jewish Quarter. These homes previously owned by Jewish families were converted into reasonable accommodations.
Here’s the list:
Other information:
Since 1997, we have helped countless Rhodesli families and descendants with vital information and documents about their families. One can leave a comment with brief details for others to see or email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org. Inquiries will be paired with a reply if we have information.
*Please be advised that contents are moderated and that RJHF is under no obligation to post all comments.
We thank the individuals that donate to the RJHF, ensuring that we can continue to do the work and fund projects that preserve the Rhodes Jewish culture and heritage for the future.
The RJHF is a small 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with Federal Tax ID #91-1779457. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law in the United States.
We are delighted and honored to include your family photographs and historical items in the Archives. If you are interested in providing your family photos and documents, email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org. Digital and scanned images must be in high-resolution jpeg, png, tiff, or pdf format, more than 1 MB, with descriptions and the source’s name for credit.
*By submitting your items, you agree to include them in the Archives for research and publication purposes. Please be advised that all contents are moderated, and the RJHF is under no obligation to publish or use all of the material(s). Thank you.
We are pleased to hear that the website can assist with your research. However, typos happen and are understandable; thus, reporting them directly to us is vital for content improvement. Please also consider that many photographs with descriptions, including oral histories from the RJHF Archives, came from individuals and family members who have since passed away; therefore, verifications can take time and effort. In addition, given the age and condition of many tombstones, translations can be challenging.
Should you see unintentional typos, or you currently possess the original image or document with detailed information, kindly contact us directly for corrections: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org
April 16, 2024: While this new website design is accessible, we’re still transferring and updating content, which will take time. We hope for your understanding. Thank you!
Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation
