Jewish Migration to the Caribbean and North America
Jewish History Lectures
The movement of Jewish populations to the Caribbean and North America is a fascinating chapter in Jewish diasporic history. Often driven by economic opportunities and the search for religious freedom, Jews established vibrant communities in areas like Barbados, Jamaica, and Curaçao during the 16th and 17th centuries. These settlements laid important cultural and economic foundations, influencing local economies and religious landscapes, and serving as crucial nodes in networks of trade and communication with Europe and other New World communities. Understanding these migrations offers essential insights into how Jewish life and practice adapted in response to new environments, contributing richly to the cultural mosaic of the Americas.