Jewish Heritage: Past and Present

Panamá is home to a well-established and vibrant Jewish community, whose roots trace back to the 17th century. During that time, crypto-Jews, who were forced to practice their faith in secret to escape the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal, sought refuge on the isthmus. Despite the challenges, they strived to preserve their traditions in this new land. Over the centuries, Panamá saw multiple waves of Jewish immigration, particularly at the turn of the 19th century and again in the 1930s and 1990s, further enriching the community. Today, Panamá’s Jewish population is approximately 25,000 strong, fully integrated into the country’s social, cultural, and political fabric. Notably, Panamá is the only nation outside of Israel to have had two Jewish presidents.

This predominantly observant community has established an impressive infrastructure to support Jewish life, from synagogues and schools to kosher facilities. Panamá, a safe and welcoming country with a variety of tourist attractions, is now recognized as the most comprehensive kosher experience in the world outside of Israel. With more than 40 certified kosher restaurants in Panamá, kosher supermarkets, and numerous synagogues, Panamá offers visitors an unmatched blend of world-class tourism and ease of religious observance. Whether it's indulging in kosher dining, experiencing the local culture, or connecting with the warmth of the Jewish community, Panamá provides a unique and inviting destination for Jewish travelers seeking kosher food in Panamá.

A close-up shot of a Torah scroll, its wooden rollers visible, being carefully carried by a rabbi in a traditional black caftan, in a synagogue

Synagogues

Panamá’s diverse Jewish community is home to several synagogues and community centers, offering religious and community services for all streams of Judaism. There are five synagogues operating within Panama City, providing a strong foundation for Jewish life in the capital. Since Panamá’s beaches and mountains are popular destinations for both locals and tourists, you’ll also find additional synagogues in the nearby areas of Coronado, Gorgona, San Carlos, and Playa Blanca.

Beyond the city and coastal regions, there are also synagogues in Bocas del Toro and Boquete, two picturesque towns that are just a short flight away from Panama City. These locations, while more remote, are still significant for the Jewish communities residing in or visiting these areas, ensuring that Jewish life thrives throughout the country.

Kosher Food in Panamá

Panama City has seen a huge growth in kosher restaurants outside of Israel, showing a really vibrant kosher community and a food scene that's always changing. Whether you're seeking fine dining, casual takeout, pizza, sushi, or gourmet cuisine, Panama City offers it all, just minutes away from most hotels. With over 40 certified kosher restaurants in Panamá, catering to every palate and budget, the range of kosher cuisine in Panamá makes it easy to plan a vacation without the worry of finding suitable food.

You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at different kosher restaurants each day of your stay and still not experience them all. Kosher catering services are also readily available, and the city is home to two fully kosher supermarkets, in addition to several chain supermarkets with dedicated kosher sections.

A growing number of hotels now offer full-time kosher breakfast, and some even have fully certified kosher kitchens, making Panamá an ideal destination for hosting simchas, whether it’s a wedding, bar mitzvah, or any other special event.

A group of people from the Jewish community during a religious ceremony

Religious Holidays, Joyful Events, and Community Conventions

With a brand-new, 658,000-square-foot convention center featuring custom-designed event spaces, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art architecture, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Panama Canal, Panamá is the ideal venue for events of any size. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a large convention, Panamá has the infrastructure to accommodate it. The city offers over 20,000 hotel rooms, with an additional 10,000 available across the provinces, ensuring ample accommodation for your guests.

Panamá is ready to host a variety of events, from conventions and Passover programs to High Holidays, weddings, and other joyful occasions. Making Panamá an ideal destination for hosting simchas, whether it’s a wedding, bar mitzvah, or any other special event, visitors can enjoy world-class tourism while maintaining all aspects of religious observance. The growing number of Passover programs offered by local tour operators, along with the city’s increasingly popular appeal as a destination for Yeshiva Week and other holiday breaks, makes Panamá a prime location for those seeking tropical weather, exciting attractions, and a safe, kosher-friendly environment.