History of the Jewish Community of Panama

In May 2001 this community celebrated 125 years of continued existence. In 1876, a group of Sephardic Jews from the Caribbean and Europe founded the Beneficent and Funerary Society Kol Shearit Israel, which became a Congregation in 1936.

The members of KSI have been, along its history, important players in the creation of the Republic, from Panama’s separation from Colombia to the development of the independent Republic.

The Jews from KSI were instrumental in the creation of institutions such as the Symphonic Orchestra, the Technological University, and the Fire Department. They also contributed with musical inspiration to the life of Panama, composing anthems such as the Panama March., and were active in the efforts to foster scientific and medical development, and education in general in their land.

In 1918, Kol Shearit Israel starts the process of becoming a liberal community. In 1932, its first Rabbi, Norman Feldheym, promotes the founding of the KSI Brotherhood, as well as educational programs for adults and children. The present Kol Shearit temple opens its doors in 1935, along with the Social Hall.

Before and during the Second World War, the whole Congregation rises up to the challenge of helping the Jewish refugees from Europe, with each member contributing an additional fee to support, house and feed these families. Alberto Lindo was an outstanding leader of this Emergency Committee.

In 1963, along with other Congregations and Jewish associations in Panama, KSI co-founds the Jewish Community Council. In 1979, the Congregation decides that women are to be allowed to read Torah from the pulpit. In 1989, after the invasion of Panama and the fall of the military dictatorship that had ruled the country since 1968, KSI once more rises to the occasion, and does important social work, assisting disadvantaged people with their basic needs.

The Isaac Rabin School

This brief history of KSI would not be complete without special mention of the Isaac Rabin School, of recent creation.

This model school is the fruit of the inspiration and hard work of the members of the homonymous Foundation. The educational philosophy of the school is to educate in order to transmit the ethical values of the Jewish people, and to form men and women of integrity, with great spiritual and ethical sensitivity. The importance of strengthening the Jewish identity of the students, coupled with a profound humanistic background. and a solid scientific foundation, are the pillars upon which the educational process at the Rabin School rests.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the school, please visit their web page: http://www.cirabin.edu.pa, or e-mail to cirabin@cwp.net.pa or info@cirabin.edu.pa