The SNOA Archives
Item
Country
CW
Name of institution (official language of the state)
Language of name of institution
eng
Contact information: postal address
46 Schottegatweg Oost, Willemstad, Curaçao
Contact information: phone number
005999 737 5119
Contact information: web address
Contact information: email
info@madurolibrary.org
Title (official language of the state)
The SNOA Archives
Language of title
eng
Creator / accumulator
Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel (Curaçao)
Date(s)
1711/2007
Language(s)
dut
heb
por
spa
Type of material
Textual Material
Scope and content
The collection Mongui Maduro Library includes the archive of the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, also known as the SNOA. Isaac S. and Suzanne A. Emmanuel (1970) published the transcription of some documents from the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel congregation archives.
Administrative / Biographical history
The history of the Jewish community of Curaçao dates back to the island's conquest from Spain in 1634 and the arrival of the first Jewish settlers, probably from Holland, shortly after. In 1650, twelve Sephardic families (De Meza, Aboab, Pereira, De Leon, La Parra, Touro, Cardozo, Jesurun, Marchena, Chaves, Oliveira, Henriquez Coutinho) were granted permission by Prince Maurice of Orange to settle there. The land assigned to these early settlers was located on the northern outskirts of the present district of Willemstad, which is still known as the "Jodenwyk" (Jewish quarter).
After the conquest of Brazil by the Portuguese in 1654, a large number of Jewish refugees came to Curaçao. This circumstance led to the effective Jewish settlement in Amsterdam. Two years later, the local community established the Congregation Mikvé Israel under the direction of the Spanish and Portuguese community of Amsterdam. In the same year of 1656, the land originally granted to the first twelve Sephardic families was appropriated for a burial ground and was consecrated to its purpose. Also, a small wooden building was rented to house regular daily services. It was only in 1692 that a synagogue was erected and consecrated on the eve of Passover. Hazzan David Raphael Lopez de Fonseca read the services. The building, enlarged and reconsecrated in 1731, still stands at present.
A period of substantial prosperity for the Jews of Curaçao began early in the 18th century. In 1715 they established a charitable society to care for the sick and needy. By 1750 the number of Jews living in Curaçao had increased to about 2,000; most were merchants and traders. By the end of the 18th century, Jews owned most of the property in the district of Willemstad.
By 1740, two communities had come into existence. A new community occupied a tract across the harbour from Willemstad, known as "Otrabanda". In order to avoid crossing the water on the Sabbath to attend divine services, those who resided in this outlying district formed themselves into the Neveh Shalom (Dwelling of Peace) congregation and, in 1745, consecrated their synagogue. For a time, this was regarded as merely a branch of the older congregation, remaining under its direction. However, after a series of disputes, the congregation became independent in 1870.
After the conquest of Brazil by the Portuguese in 1654, a large number of Jewish refugees came to Curaçao. This circumstance led to the effective Jewish settlement in Amsterdam. Two years later, the local community established the Congregation Mikvé Israel under the direction of the Spanish and Portuguese community of Amsterdam. In the same year of 1656, the land originally granted to the first twelve Sephardic families was appropriated for a burial ground and was consecrated to its purpose. Also, a small wooden building was rented to house regular daily services. It was only in 1692 that a synagogue was erected and consecrated on the eve of Passover. Hazzan David Raphael Lopez de Fonseca read the services. The building, enlarged and reconsecrated in 1731, still stands at present.
A period of substantial prosperity for the Jews of Curaçao began early in the 18th century. In 1715 they established a charitable society to care for the sick and needy. By 1750 the number of Jews living in Curaçao had increased to about 2,000; most were merchants and traders. By the end of the 18th century, Jews owned most of the property in the district of Willemstad.
By 1740, two communities had come into existence. A new community occupied a tract across the harbour from Willemstad, known as "Otrabanda". In order to avoid crossing the water on the Sabbath to attend divine services, those who resided in this outlying district formed themselves into the Neveh Shalom (Dwelling of Peace) congregation and, in 1745, consecrated their synagogue. For a time, this was regarded as merely a branch of the older congregation, remaining under its direction. However, after a series of disputes, the congregation became independent in 1870.
Access points: locations
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Access points: document types
Author of the description
Carla Vieira, 2023
Bibliography
Published primary sources
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