The biggest myth about Morocco that I hear all the time is that it isn't "safe for Jews".
This isn't true. Moroccans loves Jews, there is a very rich Jewish history that the Moroccans respect fully.
In order to plan the best trip, it's important to know how far everything is from each other.
I always plan my trips by looking at the map of the country and marking my destinations.
For organizational purposes I'm going to break it down by city or area!
Starting with Marrakesh.
But first, there are some important words to get familiar with -
*Mellah: A mellah (Arabic: 'salt' and Hebrew: מלאח) is a Jewish quarter of a city in Morocco. They called it that way because the Jews were usually the salt merchants.
*Medina: A medina is a distinct historical city section found in a number of North African cities. A medina is typically walled, with many narrow and maze-like streets. The word "medina" itself simply means "city" or "town" in modern-day Arabic. It is cognate with the Aramaic-Hebrew word (also "medina") referring to a city or populated area!
*Riad: A riad is a type of traditional Moroccan and Andalusi interior garden or courtyard associated with house and palace architecture. The term is nowadays often used in Morocco to refer to a hotel or guesthouse-style accommodation with shared common areas and private rooms, often within a restored traditional mansion.
*Berber: Berbers are an ethnic group native to North Africa.
Also important to note: All bread in Morocco is known to be kosher as long as you don’t hold by Pas Yisroel, since bread there is valued and will not be riddled with suspicious ingredients. Milk is also generally kosher, although not Cholov Yisroel. For meals on the go, you can pick up fruits and vegetables, and if you bring your own pot, you can ask the kitchen staff at your Riad to make you hardboiled eggs.
Marrakesh
I went on this trip with my friend Esther Gopin.
She's pretty cool, follow her!
We landed in Marrakesh and went straight to the Medina.
The weirdest part about the Medina is that you can be in modern civilization one minute and then you enter the Medina and it's a whole different world. It's literally like a time capsule to ancient times.
Exploring the Medina and the Souk was a very cool experience. You can find a tannery and leather goods, spices, hammams, and so much more! A hammam is an Arabic styled bath, it's usually public in nature. We went to a more upscale one which was more spa like! They bathe and scrub you down to the point where you see piles of dead skin on the floor. Gross, I know. I would definitely go again! That smooth skin and the experience of it all was one of a kind.
For Kosher food in Marrrakesh we went to the ONE Kosher spot pretty much for dinner every night! Morocco Kosher is a little different in the sense where they don't really do Hechshers like we're used to in the states, so please consult your Rabbi or do your own research.
Dar ima
11 Rue de la Liberté,
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
We had, from right to left - the CousCous bowl with assorted meats and sausages, the Nicoise salad and Shakshuka. Not shown: Tagine & Pastillas.
To see more, feel free to check out my highlight.
We stayed in multiple Riads in the Medina but my favorite one is Riad Losra. Since we had to work daily, our riads were also our office. They would serve us Moroccan Tea every time we got back from being out, or occasionally while we worked. I wasn't mad about it! We also asked them to make us hard boiled eggs, since it's easily Kosher and they happily obliged. I definitely fell in love with riads while there.
Another one in Marrakesh that we stayed in that is noteworthy is called Riad Mazal, pictures don't really do it justice. It was so serene and beautiful! Since we wanted to be near a Shul for Rosh Hashana, we stayed in Riad Mazal because it's within walking distance. The owners are Jewish so there were Mezuzahs on all the doors. If you want to see more feel free to check out the videos on my story.
For Shabbat meals there is a lady who can host you for a meal, feel free to reach out to her via whatsapp. She charges a small amount and the food is plentiful.
Mrs. Ohayon
+212662174476
Other Contacts:
Suzanne Dahan
+212 666-237114
Mrs Halioua
+212 5 24 37 60 64
The Mellah in Marrakech still has an active Synagogue and cemetery.
The Shul is called Slat Al Azama Synagogue and it's the easiest way to find the Mellah, just put it in Google. We went right before the high holidays and so we arrived in time to catch the blowing of the Shofar!
I actually got emotional visiting the cemetery. They have Moroccans manage the property, and I was so impressed by the respect he showed! His father managed the property, and so did his father before him. He actually commented how happy he was to see us visit, because there aren't many Jews left in Morocco and the cemetery doesn't' have a lot of visitors. He doesn't want it to be forgotten. There are some really big Rabbis buried here, we prayed at the grave sites.
Some other must dos in Marrakesh:
~ Jemaa El Fina Square
~ Medersa Ben Youssef
~ Bahia Palace
~ Majorelle Gardens
After our time in Marrakech we went on a Sahara Desert tour. I love nature, so this was hands down my favorite part! We went wrong by booking a 2 day group tour. If I would redo it, I'd pay the extra money to skip some tourist trap parts on the way and book privately to have more time in the Sahara itself.
Once you arrive to the outskirts of the Sahara, we hopped onto camels and made way to our tent. When you picture a tent, you're probably thinking of camping gear. No no, this tent had carpets draped, beds and just carpets everywhere!
I only have videos if you want to see.
We spent the night drumming and singing with the Berbers and sliding down the sand hills. The stars were plentiful and magical, and the sound gets trapped in the sand, making it a really peaceful and fun experience. 10/10
All right, this was long enough. Part 2 is Essaouira, Fes, Chefchaouen, & Tangier.
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