General information

The Jewish Community of Amsterdam (also referred to by its Dutch acronym: NIHS) is an orthodox-Ashkenazi congregation, that dates back to 1635. It counts approx. 2200 members, who support the complete Jewish infrastructure in the city (including: kashrut, synagogues, mikwah, rabbinate, social service and cemeteries and subsidies to Jewish elementary and secondary schools.

Only a small percentage of the Jews in Amsterdam survived the Holocaust and returned from camps and their places of hiding to their city, also known in Holland as Mokum (Hebrew for city). The community’s great synagogue-complex (now home to the Jewish Historical Museum) remained empty and had to be exchanged for smaller place of worship outside the city center.

The Community is primarily a volunteer institution, with a small professional staff. The organisation is run by an Executive Board. The staff is headed by an Executive Director. For questions that are not answered below, you may contact the Jewish community at: [email protected]. For other questions:[email protected]

The Jewish Community unfortunately is not able to provide nor assist in offering legal services (including visas), housing, and employment, etc.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Jewish Community, or want information about establishing an earmarked perpetual fund (in your own name or that of a beloved family member), you may contact the community by e-mail at:[email protected]

Eruv of greater Amsterdam
Amsterdam and its subsurbs (Amstelveen, Aalsmeer and Uithoorn) are part of the greater Amsterdam Eruv, re-established by the Amsterdam Beth Din in March of 2008. A map of the Eruv indicates the Amsterdam Center and Buitenveldert areas. For specific questions about the Eruv, please contact our Rabbinate.