Shabbat feelscloser 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 kosher establishments—see our full kosher guide to Panama for restaurants, supermarkets, and dining tips.

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.