Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
Myanmar's last synagogue, a 1896 heritage building preserving the legacy of the Baghdadi Jewish community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Myanmar's last synagogue, a 1896 heritage building preserving the legacy of the Baghdadi Jewish community.
"A well-preserved relic of a dying community, utterly enthralling for history lovers."
🎯 Look for the Plaque
The synagogue is nestled between shops. Keep an eye out for the historical plaque to find it easily.
🤫 Respectful Visit
This is an active place of worship for a small community. Dress modestly and be mindful of your surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Last Synagogue in Myanmar
Downtown Yangon
Myanmar's sole synagogue, a historical landmark built in 1896, stands as a testament to a bygone era.
Vintage Jewish Heritage
Inside the Synagogue
Antique wooden chairs, vintage photos of the Jewish community, and Torah scrolls offer a captivating glimpse into history.
A Symbol of Resilience
Synagogue Entrance
Despite a small remaining congregation, this 1896 building is a powerful symbol of the Jewish community's enduring spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding This Hidden Gem
A Glimpse into a Fading Community
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Look for the Plaque
The synagogue is nestled between shops. Keep an eye out for the historical plaque to find it easily.
🤫 Respectful Visit
This is an active place of worship for a small community. Dress modestly and be mindful of your surroundings.
📸 Capture the History
The interior boasts vintage photos and antique furnishings. Great for history buffs and photographers.
📜 Learn the Story
Ask about the history of the Baghdadi Jewish community in Myanmar. It's a fascinating narrative.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Look for the Plaque
The synagogue is nestled between shops. Keep an eye out for the historical plaque to find it easily.
🤫 Respectful Visit
This is an active place of worship for a small community. Dress modestly and be mindful of your surroundings.
📸 Capture the History
The interior boasts vintage photos and antique furnishings. Great for history buffs and photographers.
📜 Learn the Story
Ask about the history of the Baghdadi Jewish community in Myanmar. It's a fascinating narrative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue to be a historically significant and charming landmark, offering a poignant glimpse into Myanmar's Jewish heritage. While modest, its well-preserved interior and the story of its resilient community leave a lasting impression. Some note it can be difficult to find and that the surrounding area is primarily commercial.
"Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is the last remaining Jewish house of worship in Downtown Yangon and Burma's only synagogue. The synagogue stands between Indian paint shops and Muslim traders on a small street near the city centre. A plaque at the entrance of the building states that the present stone building, which was built between 1893 – 1896, replaced an earlier, smaller wooden structure that was erected in 1854. It is one of 188 sites on the Yangon City Development Council’s list of Heritage Buildings. It serves the few remaining Jews of the country, mostly descendants of Baghdadi Jews from Iraq. The current building was completed in 1896. The neighborhood is now primarily Muslim."
Miljan Lečić
"I really love this synagogue. It is the one and only synagogue left in the whole of Myanmar.It is more than a hundred years old now. In the early 19th Century, there was a huge number of Jewish community in Yangon. This synagogue hold at least 120 Torah. Now only 2 remains in this synagogue. It is maintained by Mr. Sammy Samuel, a Burmese Jew in Myanmar. It was recognized by Yangon Heritage Trust as a historical heritage of Yangon. Though, only a handful of Jewish community remains in Yangon, this synagogue receive prayers from experts Jews working in Yangon. When you visit Yangon, I would like you to visit the synagogue."
Aung Myo Htut
"tl; dr: Well preserved relic of a dying community
For a city with only 25 jews left (the last time I looked it up), this synagogue is a symbol of the resilience of the Jewish community. Yes it's not particularly beautiful or noteworthy or large, but it is of cultural and historical significance, and I'm glad we stopped to see it, even if it was a bit difficult to find and looked shut off when we finally located it.
If you're not interested in things like this though (and why would you be visiting Myanmar if you weren't?), you should probably skip this, but I found it utterly enthralling."
Shinyi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The synagogue is located in downtown Yangon, often described as being between Indian paint shops and Muslim traders. It's a bit of a hidden gem, so look for the historical plaque at the entrance. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are the easiest way to get to the general area.
It can be a little tricky to spot as it's nestled amongst other businesses. Keep an eye out for the historical plaque that marks its presence.
The area is bustling with shops. Walking from a nearby landmark or asking a local for directions to the 'Jewish temple' might be helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's no mention of ticket purchases for general visits. It's a historical site and place of worship, so entry is usually free, though donations are appreciated.
Specific opening hours aren't always widely advertised. It's best to visit during daylight hours, ideally weekday mornings, as it's a functioning synagogue.
Typically, there is no entrance fee. However, donations are often welcomed to help maintain this historic site.
While it's a place of worship, visiting during services might not be appropriate for tourists. It's best to check in advance or visit during regular daytime hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find antique wooden chairs, benches, and vintage photographs showcasing the Jewish community in Yangon before World War II. It's a modest but charming space.
Yes, it's noted as being well-preserved and maintained by the local Jewish community, particularly by individuals like Mr. Sammy Samuel.
Built between 1893-1896, it's the last remaining Jewish house of worship in Myanmar and a recognized Yangon Heritage Building, representing the resilience of the Baghdadi Jewish community.
Official guided tours are not commonly mentioned. However, you might be able to learn about its history from caretakers or by reading information provided on-site.
Visitors describe it as charming, modest, and historically enthralling, offering a quiet contrast to the bustling city streets outside.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside is generally permitted, especially for capturing the historical artifacts and vintage photos. Be respectful of any ongoing prayers or services.
The interior with its antique furniture and historical pictures is a prime spot. The exterior, with its unique setting amidst shops, also makes for interesting shots.
The synagogue has good natural lighting, often described as 'great lighting,' which is beneficial for photography, especially in the afternoon.
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Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Baghdadi Jewish Community in Myanmar
Today, the community is very small, with only a handful of Jewish residents remaining in Yangon. Despite this, the synagogue is meticulously maintained, serving as a vital link to their heritage. Visitors often remark on the sense of resilience and history that permeates the building, even with a limited congregation. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that has navigated significant historical shifts.
For those interested in the cultural history of Yangon, a visit to the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue offers a unique and moving experience. It's a chance to connect with a lesser-known aspect of the city's past and appreciate the preservation efforts that keep this history alive. The contrast between the quiet, historic synagogue and the bustling modern streets surrounding it is particularly striking.
Preserving a Heritage Landmark
Maintenance is a continuous effort, often supported by the few remaining community members and potentially through donations from visitors. The dedication to keeping the synagogue in good condition ensures that future generations can learn from its existence. The interior, with its antique wooden chairs and vintage photographs, speaks volumes about the community's past and their connection to the building.
Visitors often express gratitude for the opportunity to see such a well-preserved relic. It's a place that evokes a sense of awe and reflection, offering a quiet space to contemplate the history of religious and cultural diversity in Yangon. The synagogue's survival is a powerful symbol of continuity amidst change.
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