Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Casablanca

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism, located in the Oasis neighborhood of Casablanca, is the only museum dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world. Established in 1997, it is housed in a building that dates back to 1948, originally serving as a Jewish orphanage for up to 160 children. The museum underwent significant renovations in 2013 to support its expanded role.

The foundation of the museum was driven by Simon Levy, a notable former professor at the University of Rabat and a fervent advocate for Moroccan Jewish culture and human rights. Levy, who lived from 1934 to 2011, played a pivotal role during the colonial period and the reign of King Hassan II, dedicating his later years to preserving Jewish heritage in Morocco.

The museum’s collection is rich and varied, featuring significant Jewish artifacts such as a bimah from the Beni-Issakhar Synagogue in Casablanca, dating back to around 1944, along with mezuzahs, and Hanukiah menorahs. Additionally, it showcases Berber history, including traditional costumes, jewelry, and Fatima pendants, highlighting the intertwined histories of Jewish and Berber communities in Morocco.

One of the museum's intriguing exhibits is a recreated jewelry-making shop, which includes the original workbench and tools of a Moroccan Jew named Saul Cohen. This exhibit provides insight into the craftsmanship and cultural contributions of Moroccan Jews.

The museum’s architecture spans 700 square meters and features a large multipurpose room used for displaying art by Jewish Moroccans, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Three other exhibit rooms focus on religious practices, family life, and recreations of Moroccan synagogues, offering visitors a comprehensive view of Jewish life in Morocco.

In 2019, the museum's collection expanded significantly thanks to a generous donation from French Moroccan opera singer David Serero, who contributed a large portion of his Moroccan Judaica art collection, marking the largest donation of Judaica artifacts ever received by a Moroccan museum.