History of Our Community

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President’s Letter

Welcome to the House of Ten Commandments,

Whether you are visiting or call Bahrain home, we are so glad that you are here. Our community dates back to the 1880s when many Jewish families left Iraq in search of better economic opportunities and lifestyle. They were on their way to India and the boat stopped in Bahrain and many families saw something special here and the opportunities it presented, and they decided to stay. Since then, we have become part of the fabric of Bahraini society.

Despite being small in size, we are very proud to play a large role in Jewish life in the Gulf. We have the only operating Jewish cemetery and are proud to have the oldest – and only operational – synagogue in the Gulf. In August 2020, we celebrated the first Bar Mitzvah in 16 years and held the first Shabbat minyan in 1947. The synagogue was full – there was not an empty chair. The young man read from the Torah that former senior White House adviser Jared Kushner commissioned in honor of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

We hope you will visit our Synagogue and pray with us on a Shabbat.

I look forward to welcoming you,

Ebrahim Dawood Nonoo

Board of Trustees

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Association of Gulf Jewish Communities

The HOTC is a member of the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC).

The Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC) is the umbrella organization for the Jewish communities of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that are building and enhancing Jewish life in the region. While each community is independent, they share a common goal and vision – for Jewish life to flourish in the Gulf for the benefit of both residents and visitors. The AGJC oversees programming and services such as the Beth Din of Arabia, the Arabian Kosher Certification Agency, lifecycle events and other community programs.

For more information visit www.gulfjewish.org