Panama City is home to one of Latin America's most vibrant Jewish communities, with approximately 15,000 members. For observant travelers, the city offers a comprehensive infrastructure of synagogues, kosher dining, and community services that make keeping Shabbat and Jewish holidays seamless—even while on vacation.
Jewish History in Panama
Jewish roots in Panama stretch back to the 1500s, when conversos (Jews forced to convert during the Spanish Inquisition) arrived as part of the colonial enterprise. Open Jewish life, however, began in the 1800s when Sephardic families from Curaçao and Jamaica settled along the isthmus during the Gold Rush and Panama Railroad era. In 1876, the first formal congregation was established, laying the foundation for the community that exists today.
The Syrian Orthodox community became a defining force with the founding of Shevet Ahim in 1933. That same community attracted Rabbi Sion Levy, who arrived in 1951 and spent 58 years building Panama's kashrut infrastructure from the ground up. Rabbi Levy personally oversaw kosher certification, trained mashgichim, and turned Panama into one of the most kosher-accessible cities in the Americas. His legacy is the reason visitors today can walk into over 80 certified establishments.
The Ashkenazi community established roots as well, with Beth El (Centro Israelita Beth El), founded in the 1950s by Ashkenazi immigrants, serving as the principal Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue. Chabad of Panama later established Beit Chabad, adding outreach programs, Shabbat meals for visitors, and services that cater especially to newcomers and travelers.
Today, Panama's Jewish community of approximately 15,000 members is one of the most cohesive in the Diaspora. The community has produced two Jewish presidents of Panama, and Jewish Panamanians play prominent roles in business, politics, and civic life. Intermarriage rates are among the lowest in the Jewish world, and 98% of Jewish children attend one of several Jewish day schools, including Albert Einstein Instituto, Colegio Hebreo, Maguen David, and Talmud Tora. The community also maintains two of the largest kosher supermarkets outside of Israel.
Civic generosity is a hallmark of Jewish Panama. The community has donated hospital wings, children's aid centers, and public institutions throughout the country. Panama voted in favor of Israel's creation at the United Nations in 1947, and per capita, Panamanian Jews are among the world's most generous supporters of Israel.
Did You Know?
- Panama voted in favor of Israel's creation at the United Nations in 1947
- 98% of Jewish children in Panama attend Jewish day schools
- Per capita, Panamanian Jews are among the world's most generous donors to Israel
- Panama has two of the largest kosher supermarkets outside of Israel
- Intermarriage rates are among the lowest in the Jewish Diaspora
- The community has virtually no antisemitism—Jewish life is visible and celebrated
Community Services for Visitors
Hatzala Panama
Jewish emergency medical services available 24/7. Call +507 294-5000 for immediate medical assistance.
DSI Security
The community's private security service patrols synagogues, schools, and community areas around the clock.
Fadalu Hospitality
A community program that connects visitors with local families for authentic Shabbat and holiday meals. Contact Go Beyond and we'll coordinate a match for you.
Lev Rajel Kesher Center
Community medical clinic offering healthcare services. Call +507 6800-0448 for appointments.
Yad Ve Yad
Hospital supplies and medical equipment lending service for visitors and community members. Call +507 6678-5279.
Shaare Jesed
Community charitable organization providing assistance and social services. Call +507 6720-4313.
Synagogues in Panama City
Panama City has several active synagogues spanning Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Chabad traditions. Most are located in the Paitilla and Bella Vista neighborhoods — the heart of the Jewish community.
Beach & Mountain Communities
Beyond Panama City, Chabad centers and community synagogues serve Jewish travelers at popular beach and mountain destinations across the country.
Eruv
Panama City has an eruv that covers the main Jewish neighborhoods, including Paitilla, parts of San Francisco, and surrounding areas. The eruv is maintained by the local community and checked weekly.
Eruv Status
Always confirm the eruv status before Shabbat. Contact the local community or Chabad Panama for weekly updates on the eruv boundaries and status.
Shabbat & Holiday Times
Candle lighting, havdalah, and holiday times across Panama
Practical Shabbat Guide
Everything you need to know to spend a seamless Shabbat in Panama City:
Shabbat Meals
Several options for Shabbat meals in Panama City:
- Deli K: Order Shabbat meals for pickup or delivery (order by Thursday)
- Pita Plus: Shabbat meal catering and delivery available
- Chabad Panama: Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch open to visitors
- Synagogue meals: Some shuls host communal Shabbat lunches—ask when confirming services
- Fadalu home hospitality: Get matched with a local family for an authentic Shabbat experience
- Super Kosher: One of the largest kosher supermarkets outside of Israel—stock up before Shabbat with a full range of meats, bakery items, and prepared foods
Let Go Beyond arrange your Shabbat meals — we'll coordinate catering, restaurant reservations, and home hospitality so you can focus on Shabbat. Contact us or WhatsApp us.
Shabbat-Friendly Hotels
These hotels are popular with observant travelers and offer Shabbat accommodations:
- Residence Inn by Marriott: Located in Punta Paitilla with a year-round "Kosher Korner" breakfast and in-room kitchenettes. Walking distances: Chabad 4 min, Punta Pacifica Synagogue 9 min, Ahavat Sion 13 min, Beth El 15 min.
- Hilton Panama: Avenida Balboa location in Marbella; kosher breakfast served during peak Jewish travel dates (Yeshiva Week, Pesach, Sukkot). Confirm Shabbat-friendly arrangements at booking.
Key things to arrange before Shabbat:
- Shabbat elevator: Confirm availability at check-in
- Key card: Ask about manual key alternatives or pre-set cards
- Plata caliente: Request a hot plate or blech for your room
See our hotel guide for detailed Shabbat-friendly recommendations.
Mikveh in Panama
Panama City has several mikvaot. Men's and women's mikvaot are completely separate facilities. Advance reservations are recommended:
Shevet Ahim Mikveh
Located at the Shevet Ahim Synagogue in Bella Vista. Contact the synagogue office to schedule.
Ahavat Sion Mikveh
Located at the Ahavat Sion Synagogue. Available by appointment. Call the synagogue to arrange your visit.
Max Ve Sara Mikveh
A women's mikveh. Contact the community administration for hours and reservations.
Beth El Mikveh
Located at the Beth El Synagogue. Reservation required. Call or WhatsApp the synagogue for availability.
Planning a Shabbat in Panama?
Let us help you find the perfect hotel, arrange meals, and make your Shabbat experience seamless.
Practical Tips
Dress Code
Panama's tropical climate means lightweight, breathable clothing is practical. For synagogue services, standard modest attire is appropriate. Shabbat dress is typically smart-casual.
Language
The Jewish community is primarily Spanish-speaking, though many members speak English and Hebrew.
Need Help?
Go Beyond can assist with Shabbat logistics, hotel selection, and connecting you with the local community. Contact us or WhatsApp us for personalized assistance.