A Cultural Journey Through Time
Culture
The Traditions of the Jews of Tunisia
Tunisian Jewish culture is rich with customs found nowhere else. On Djerba, one of the last places in the Arab world where Jews still live in their ancient communities, families gather at the El Ghriba synagogue for the Lag BaOmer pilgrimage. Tunisian Jews also celebrate Rosh Hodesh el Bnat, the Festival of the Daughters, honoring girls and women during Hanukkah.
Tunisian Jews spoke Judeo Arabic and, later, French. Jewish singers like Habiba Msika and Cheikh El Afrit were stars of Tunisian music, and the novelist Albert Memmi wrote about growing up between cultures. At the table, families share brik, couscous, and bkaila, a spinach stew for Rosh Hashanah.
Today most Tunisian Jews and their descendants live in France and Israel, while about 1,000 to 1,500 remain in Tunisia. JIMENA shares their traditions through programs, journeys, and oral histories.
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Keep exploring
Key dates in the history of the Jews of Tunisia, at a glance. |
The story of the Jews of Tunisia, from ancient times to today. |
Dishes for Shabbat, holidays, and every day, and the stories behind them. |
Books on the Jews of Tunisia → Histories, memoirs, novels, and children's books in JIMENA's library. |
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Timeline of Jewish Presence
