FAQs
1. Who manages this website? What is the role of the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation (RJHF)?
www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org is a resource page by the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation (RJHF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded together with the Jewish Museum of Rhodes in 1997 by Aron Hasson, a 3rd generation Rhodesli and immigration attorney based in Los Angeles.
This website aims to preserve the unique history of the Jews of Rhodes and has provided information for 27 years to numerous visitors and Rhodesli descendants worldwide.
With the campaign and efforts to preserve the Rhodes Jewish heritage, the Rhodes Jewish Historical Fdn, in collaboration with the Jewish Community of Rhodes, fulfilled the restoration and expansion project of the museum, synagogue, and the Jewish Cemetery of Rhodes. In 2006, the Jewish Museum of Rhodes reopened and continues to this day. *UPDATE January 31, 2024: A renovation of the museum is currently being worked on; see—Current Events for details.
The RJHF and its growing Archives have been a repository of numerous artifacts and images from Rhodesli families. It equipped the Jewish Museum of Rhodes with many historical items, including educational and printed materials available to visitors and Rhodesli descendants worldwide. Approximately 200 Rhodes Jewish artifacts from the RJHF Archives have now been transferred to the Museum as its permanent depository.
The Foundation’s archival projects—research, artifact collection, reacquisition of historical items, document transliteration/translation, publication, events, and traveling exhibitions are made possible thanks to the donations and support of people who believe in this critical work of preserving our Rhodes Jewish culture and heritage.
2. Who manages the Jewish Museum of Rhodes, Kahal Shalom Synagogue, and Jewish Cemetery?
The Jewish Community of Rhodes (JCR).
3. Where is the Jewish Museum of Rhodes and Kahal Shalom Synagogue located?
The Jewish Museum of Rhodes and Kahal Shalom Synagogue are located in Dosiadou & Simiou Streets, Old Town, Rhodes, Greece.
4. What hours are the synagogue and museum open?
The museum and synagogue hours: 10 am to 3 pm, from April 1 through October 31, and are closed on Saturdays and state holidays. The admission fee is 6 euros per person (free entrance for children under 12). During the “winter season” starting November 1, the museum and synagogue are closed, although arrangements may be possible by contacting: jcrhodes@otenet.gr (or phone: 30-22410-22364).
*** UPDATE April 11, 2024: To register for the JCR’s 80th Commemoration events, please visit their website: https://jewishrhodes.org/july-2024-marks-80-years-since-the-deportation-of-the-jewish-communities-of-rhodes-and-kos-to-auschwitz-birkenau/
For inquiries, contact the JCR directly: jcrhodes@otenet.gr
*** UPDATE February 15, 2024: See Current Events to view the JCR’s 80th Commemoration Program for July 16-23, 2024.
***UPDATE January 31, 2024: Due to the ongoing renovation of the Museum, email the JCR directly for updates: jcrhodes@otenet.gr
5. Is there a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter of Rhodes?
Isaac Habib does the personal walking tours of the synagogue, museum, and the Jewish Quarter of Rhodes.
*Please note that the tour schedule is subject to change based on availability, holidays, etc. For inquiries and to schedule a group visit, please contact: jcrhodes@otenet.gr or telephone: +30 22410-22364.
6. What hours is the cemetery open? Where is the cemetery located?
From May to October, the cemetery is open from 8 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, closed on Saturday and Sunday. The cemetery is outside the Old City of Rhodes along the main road to Kalitheas. It’s 10 minutes to drive there from the Old City, and a taxi station is outside the Jewish Quarter next to the “Marine Gate.”
7. Where can I stay in Rhodes?
There are several pensions in the Old City in the former Jewish Quarter. These homes previously owned by Jewish families were converted into reasonable accommodations.
Here’s the list:
- Cava d’Oro Hotel located at Kistiniou Street #15 (phone #30- 22410-36980, email: hotel@cavadoro.com)
- Spot Hotel at Perikleous Street #21 (phone # 30-697-201-6188)
- Eleni Rooms at Perikleous Street #26 (phone #30-22410-73282)
- Camelot Hotel at Themistokleous Street #18 (phone #30-22410-26649)
- Saint Michel at Perikleous Street #68 (phone # 30-22410-25111)
- Kokkini Porta Rossa on Arch. Efthimiou Street 24, at Kokkini Porta (phone # 30-22410-75114, email: welcome@kokkiniporta.com)
Other information:
- Municipality of Rhodes website
- Official Page of Rhodian Tourism
- Kosher food information in Rhodes
- Other sightseeing and private tours: Next Stop Rhodes and Rhodes Private Tours
8. My family is originally from Rhodes. Can we obtain information regarding my family’s history and documents?
Since 1997, we have helped countless Rhodesli families and descendants with vital information and documents about their families. One can leave a comment with brief details for others to see or email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org. Inquiries will be paired with a reply if we have information.
*Please be advised that contents are moderated and that RJHF is under no obligation to post all comments.
9. How can I donate?
- For monetary donation (card payment or PayPal): https://www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org/donations/
- If donating by check: Payable to the “Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation.” Address: 10850 Wilshire Blvd. #750, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
- If donating or gifting original historical items and artifacts, email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org
- Sending a donation by tribute cards (sympathy, dedication, special occasion), email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org
We thank the individuals that donate to the RJHF, ensuring that we can continue to do the work and fund projects that preserve the Rhodes Jewish culture and heritage for the benefit of the present and future generations.
The RJHF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with Federal Tax ID #91-1779457. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law in the United States.
10. How can I include my family photographs, documents and artifacts to the RJHF Archives?
Circa 1930s of Aron and Marie (née Capeluto) Menashe. From Morris Menasche.
We are delighted and honored to include your family photographs and historical items in the Archives. If you are interested in providing your family photos and documents, email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org. Digital and scanned images must be in high-resolution jpeg, png, tiff, or pdf format, no less than 1 MB, with descriptions and the source’s name for credit.
*Please be advised that submitted materials are moderated and that RJHF is under no obligation to use and display all contents. Properly scanned, high resolution photos can be selected for publishing, all other photos will be stored in the Archives for research purposes. Thank you.
11. How to report typos?
We are pleased to hear that the website can assist with your research. However, typos happen and are understandable; thus, reporting them directly to us is vital for content improvement. Please consider that many photographs with descriptions, including oral histories from the RJHF Archives, came from individuals and family members who have since passed away; therefore, verifications can take time and effort. In addition, given the age and condition of many tombstones, translations can also be challenging. Should you see unintentional typos, or you currently possess the original image or document with detailed information, kindly contact us directly for corrections: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org
We are pleased to hear that the website can assist with your research. However, typos happen and are understandable; thus, reporting them directly to us is vital for content improvement. Please consider that many photographs with descriptions, including oral histories from the RJHF Archives, came from individuals and family members who have since passed away; therefore, verifications can take time and effort. In addition, given the age and condition of many tombstones, translations can also be challenging. Should you see unintentional typos, or you currently possess the original image or document with detailed information, kindly contact us directly for corrections:… Read more »
***UPDATE January 31, 2024: Please be advised that the Jewish Community of Rhodes (JCR) just announced on January 24th that they will be closed until further notice due to the ongoing renovation of the museum and the entrance of the synagogue. For inquiries, contact the JCR directly: jcrhodes@otenet.gr
My family and I would like to visit Rhodes either in March or May. Are there any special events planned that might help us determine the best time to visit. Also, do you have a recommendation for places to stay near the Jewish quarter? We are planning to stay at least 10 days and would like to do any volunteer work that would be of service to the Jewish community. All ideas are welcome.
Thanks for your help,
Deborah Capp