Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel
R$Sinagoga Kahal Zur Israel, on Rua do Bom Jesus in the Bairro do Recife, was founded in 1636 and is considered the first synagogue in the Americas. Today it operates as a museum about the Jewish presence in Brazil. It suits history lovers, couples and senior visitors.
Part of the guide Recife
Getting there from Porto de Galinhas
The synagogue is in Recife Antigo, on Rua do Bom Jesus, one block from Marco Zero. From Porto de Galinhas it is about 50 to 65 km, around 1 hour by car without traffic. By bus, routes 191 and 195 go to the Cais de Santa Rita terminal, in central Recife, in about 2 hours.
Hours and admission
It opens Tuesday to Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday afternoons. It is closed on Saturdays. Full-price admission cost R$ 40 in early 2026. The half-price ticket, which was R$ 20 in 2024, applies to students, seniors, teachers, people with disabilities and a companion, among others. On Tuesdays, everyone pays half price.
What to see
The synagogue was founded in 1636, on the street then called Rua dos Judeus (Jews' Street), and was closed 18 years later. In 1654, a group of 23 Jews left Recife and took part in the founding of New York. The building was only restored in 2000. A glass floor shows the mikveh, the Jewish ritual bath. There is a reconstruction of the prayer hall and a museum with documents, ritual objects, archaeological finds, photos, paintings and maps about the Jews in Brazil. A shop sells books and symbolic items.
Before you go
The building is not adapted for people with reduced mobility (2024 information). Guided tours can be booked by phone.