The Bahamas, with its pristine turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, has rapidly become a premier destination for Jewish travelers seeking a combination of relaxation, luxury, and spiritual engagement. This idyllic Caribbean paradise offers a unique fusion of upscale accommodations, religious amenities, and a rich historical backdrop, appealing to Jewish communities worldwide. Whether for a kosher vacation, a destination celebration, or a heritage journey, the Bahamas provides a welcoming, enriching, and inclusive experience that draws travelers year-round.
The history of Jewish life in the Bahamas stretches back several centuries, with roots that extend to the 17th century. One of the first known Jews connected to the New World was Luis de Torres, a converso and interpreter for Christopher Columbus, who accompanied the explorer during his historic voyage. De Torres, fluent in multiple languages, including Hebrew, symbolized the enduring Jewish connection to global exploration and trade. Although Jews were few in the early years of Bahamian history, they played a significant role in the development of the region, particularly in commerce and society.
By the 20th century, Jewish immigrants began to settle in the Bahamas, many seeking refuge from European persecution or searching for economic opportunities in the Americas. The Jewish community in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, grew steadily, reaching an estimated population of around 1,000 today. This community includes expatriates, retirees, and seasonal visitors, many of whom return to the Bahamas for extended stays, making Nassau the epicenter of Jewish life in the islands.
Chabad of the Bahamas has played a pivotal role in nurturing Jewish life on the islands. For over 14 years, Rabbi Sholom D. Bluming and his wife, Rebbetzin Sheera Bluming, have been at the helm of Chabad’s efforts to serve both residents and visitors. Chabad offers spiritual guidance, Torah classes, holiday celebrations, and a variety of community events. These services are particularly beneficial to tourists looking for an authentic Jewish experience while vacationing in the Bahamas. Recognizing the growth of Jewish tourism, Rabbi Bluming recently announced plans for a state-of-the-art Jewish center in Nassau, set to open in 2026. This center will include a synagogue for daily and Shabbat services, a mikveh for ritual purification, classrooms and a library for Jewish education, a conference center for events and lectures and even a playground for young families. This ambitious project reflects the growing importance of the Bahamas as a global hub for Jewish life, hospitality, and tourism.
One of the major draws for Jewish travelers to the Bahamas is the availability of kosher dining options, and the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has become a central destination for those seeking high-quality kosher meals in a luxurious setting. The resort features a range of kosher options, with the most notable being Cinkō, the first kosher Asian-Latino fusion restaurant in the Bahamas. Cinkō offers a unique and diverse menu, blending flavors from Latin America and Asia. Signature dishes include an Argentinian Parrillada mixed grill with wagyu ribeye, Korean-style kalbi ribs, and lamb chops, as well as salmon ceviche with bold Peruvian flavors. Traditional Jewish deli items such as pastrami and brisket Cubano sandwiches add a twist to classic favorites, offering something familiar yet innovative. For those visiting during Shabbat, the restaurant provides pre-ordered Shabbat meals, including Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch, which feature both traditional Jewish recipes and modern culinary touches. Read the full article about Cinkō Asian Latino Grill here.
For a more casual dining experience, the Knosh kosher food truck serves a variety of dairy-based delights. Positioned near the resort’s beach, it offers New York-style bagels with homemade spreads, and refreshing drinks, making it an ideal choice for guests lounging by the sea or looking for a quick bite. The Knosh food truck brings an added layer of convenience for those enjoying the outdoors, offering a relaxed, beachfront atmosphere while still catering to the dietary needs of Jewish guests. The food truck is open daily for breakfast from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and for lunch from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Friday until 3:00 pm). On Motzei Shabbos, Knosh reopens one hour after Shabbat ends and stays open for an additional hour. All products at Knosh are Cholov Yisroel.
Café Madeleine at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers a delightful setting for a relaxed meal or quick snack. The café takes pride in accommodating various dietary preferences, featuring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Recently, it introduced a kosher cooler, stocked with pre-packaged Cholov Yisroel/Pas Yisroel items such as smoked salmon sandwiches, egg sandwiches, yogurt, and a selection of beverages. This new addition makes the café an excellent choice for guests looking for a convenient kosher grab-and-go option here.
Knosh, Cinkō, and the Shabbat meals at the Hyatt are projects of the Hyatt Baha Mar and are under the strict supervision of Chabad of the Bahamas.
For those planning longer stays, the Bahamas offers additional kosher food resources. Many local grocery stores carry basic kosher items, and Solomon’s Fresh Market, an upscale grocery store located a short drive from the Hyatt, offers a wide selection of kosher products. Kosher wine is also available at the Flying Dutchman wine store in Cable Beach and Young Fine Wine in Sandy Port, both a short drive from the resort.
A highlight of the Jewish tourism calendar in the Bahamas is Yeshiva Week, a busy time when the resort sees an influx of Jewish travelers. The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar goes all out during this period, expanding its kosher offerings and creating an inclusive atmosphere for guests. The Palms Café is transformed into a California-style kosher grill, offering a range of dishes from burgers and steaks to lamb chops and barbecue favorites. The resort’s outdoor gazebo area hosts a barbecue setup with casual seating, ensuring a fun and family-friendly vibe. In 2023, the resort hosted over 800 guests for Shabbat meals during Yeshiva Week, and they are aiming to exceed 1,000 guests in 2025, reflecting the growing demand for kosher-friendly services. Cinko Asian Latino Grill provides a warm and inviting space for Shabbat candle lighting, allowing guests to observe this cherished tradition in a kosher and elegant setting, creating a meaningful start to their Shabbat experience.
The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar also boasts a variety of amenities tailored to observant Jewish travelers, making it a go-to destination for families, couples, and individuals seeking a Shabbat-friendly getaway. The property includes an eruv surrounding the resort, which helps guests observe the laws of carrying on Shabbat. In addition, the hotel offers keyless entry systems for Shabbat compliance, as well as designated spaces for Shabbat candles and prayer services. The resort’s kosher kitchen is equipped to handle large events, ensuring that everything from intimate family gatherings to grand celebrations can be accommodated with ease.
The Bahamas is emerging as a favored destination for Jewish lifecycle events, offering a picturesque setting for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and brit Milah ceremonies. With its stunning natural landscapes, upscale accommodations, and the growing availability of kosher catering, the islands provide an exceptional backdrop for celebrating these cherished milestones.
For brit Milah ceremonies, families often arrange for mohels to travel from nearby Florida, ensuring that this sacred tradition is observed with the utmost care and reverence. The seamless blend of Jewish customs with the tranquil beauty of the Bahamas makes it an unparalleled choice for those seeking to honor their heritage while embracing the serenity of a tropical paradise.
For those interested in exploring the history of the Jewish community in the Bahamas, Nassau offers several historical landmarks, including the Jewish cemetery. This peaceful site dates to the 19th century and stands as a testament to the contributions of Jewish families to the development of the island nation. It serves as a meaningful stop for heritage travelers who wish to connect with the past and learn about the role of Jews in Bahamian society.
The Bahamas is known for its welcoming and inclusive society, where visitors are greeted with warmth and respect. Rabbi Bluming has often praised the island’s lack of anti-Semitism, noting that Jewish visitors are embraced by the local community. This hospitality enhances the experience for Jewish travelers, ensuring that they feel at home during their stay.
The Bahamas is becoming a top destination for Jewish travelers, with the upcoming Chabad Jewish Center, expanded kosher dining, and Shabbat-friendly accommodations enhancing its appeal. Combining stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and opportunities to celebrate Jewish traditions, the Bahamas offers a seamless blend of relaxation, culture, and spirituality. Its commitment to inclusivity ensures a meaningful experience for visitors seeking a vibrant tropical escape.
The Bahamas has truly become a destination that harmoniously blends luxury, culture, and Jewish tradition. With its pristine natural beauty, world-class accommodations, and growing Jewish community, the islands offer an unparalleled experience for Jewish travelers seeking both relaxation and spiritual enrichment. The upcoming expansion of Chabad of the Bahamas, alongside the continued growth of kosher dining, religious services, and family-friendly amenities at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, ensures that the Bahamas will remain a prominent choice for those seeking a kosher vacation, Jewish heritage exploration, or even a destination celebration. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the Bahamas, combined with its rich Jewish history and modern offerings, make it a remarkable place where Jewish travelers can create lasting memories while deepening their connection to faith, culture, and community. Whether for a memorable Shabbat experience, a life cycle event, or simply a luxurious retreat, the Bahamas stands as a beacon of Jewish hospitality and a unique, vibrant destination for the Jewish community.
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Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide
This press trip was generously sponsored by Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, with special thanks to Kia Guilford, Senior Marketing Communications Manager and Dwynette Sawyer, Marketing Communications Manager.
Hotel Information & Inquiries: bahamar.grand@hyatt.com | Tel: +1 844 709 3850
For visitor inquiries, you can reach out to Chabad of the Bahamas through their contact form at https://www.jewishbahamas.com/contact or explore their website at www.JewishBahamas.com.
