Meet the Founders of the Madagascar Synagogue: Pioneers in Jewish Community Building
The Madagascar Synagogue is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of hope and a gathering place for the Jewish community in Madagascar, brought to life by its devoted founders, Batya and Jerry Kestenbaum. With a shared vision for community connection, they embarked on a mission to establish a vibrant synagogue that honors their faith and resonates with the spirit of Madagascar.
Batya, a passionate community organizer, did not grow up Jewish. She had the profound honor of going through an orthodox conversion in 2021. During her studies, and after researching Jewish life on the Red Island, Batya - partially joking - said to her husband Jerry, "Chabad isn't there yet. I am going to build the country's first synagogue." Inspired by the Malagasy Jews who had spent centuries living a Jewish life there - but whose community was not recognized until their mass conversion in 2015 - her heart was filled with the desire to create a welcoming space where families could come together to observe the Sabbath and Jewish holidays, and partake in rituals that connect them to their history in a more comfortable way.
Jerry, an entrepreneur, engineer, philanthropist, (and some might say a grudge-holder), saw the opportunity to design a synagogue in Madagascar as the final nail in Hitler's coffin. After learning during Batya's studies about the failed Nazi Madagascar plan - a plan that, if successful, would have shipped all European Jews to Madagascar, most not surviving the transport, and those who did living in a state run by the SS - Jerry felt strongly that Batya's newfound dream to build there needed to happen. The Nazis failed at beating the British Navy; they did not have the ships at their disposal for transporting 1 million Jews per year. This synagogue is one small way that they could add even more beauty to a part of the world that for a period of time, was meant for so much devastation and horror.
Together, Batya and Jerry are committed to cultivating an inclusive atmosphere where all members feel at home. They have envisioned a place where the community can gather not only for prayer but also to celebrate life’s milestones - from bar and bat mitzvahs to joyous holiday celebrations. The Kestenbaum's also recognize the importance of family accommodations, especially during Sabbath and high holy days, and are excited to provide over a dozen bungalows to the local families.
Through their unwavering dedication, Batya and Jerry are honored to build the first Jewish synagogue in Madagascar - and in the Indian Ocean - serving as a testament to the resilience of the Jewish spirit. They invite everyone whose interest this piques to join them in this journey of faith, connection, and cultural heritage. This project is not just theirs; it belongs to everyone who seeks to strengthen the Jewish identity within Madagascar, fostering a resurgence of Jewish life that has thrived for centuries.