Learning From Our Global Jewish FAmily: A Mission to Mexico City

Charlotte Jewish News, May 2025

By Jon Kulbersh

What can we learn from Jewish communities around the world? In March, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte led an impactful mission to Mexico City with 18 community members, offering a firsthand look at a vibrant Jewish community with deep engagement, strong institutions, and unwavering commitment to Jewish life. This eye-opening experience revealed how a community not much larger than our own has built a rich Jewish ecosystem — and provided insights we hope to bring home to Charlotte.

A Brief History of Jewish Life in Mexico Jewish life in Mexico dates back to the colonial era, when Conversos (Crypto-Jews) — Spanish and Portuguese Jews who had been forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition — settled in New Spain (now Mexico). Many of these individuals continued practicing Judaism in secret long before their arrival. In Mexico, they hoped to find refuge but still faced persecution under the Mexican Inquisition, which sought out and punished those suspected of maintaining Jewish practices. Religious tolerance grew after Mexico’s independence in 1821, allowing openly Jewish immigrants — particularly Sephardic Jews from the Ottoman Empire — to begin arriving in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, waves of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews from Eastern Europe, Syria, and Türkiye joined. They established thriving communities, particularly in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, complete with synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. Today, the Jewish population in Mexico City is estimated to be about 40,000 — only slightly larger than greater Charlotte’s Jewish community.

Experiencing Jewish Mexico City

Our visit offered a glimpse into a well-established and dynamic Jewish community. One of the most impressive stops was the Olami ORT School, a modern educational institution founded in 1963. As part of the global ORT network, it offers a Jewish-focused curriculum that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Hebrew, and Jewish studies. With its advanced technology labs and emphasis on leadership and innovation, the school reflects the community’s deep investment in preparing students for a global, Jewish future.

Another highlight was the Centro Deportivo Israelita (CDI), a sprawling Jewish community center with over 18,000 members. CDI serves as a cultural and social hub with activities and amenities ranging from Olympic-sized pools to Hebrew classes, theater productions, and Holocaust remembrance programs. It’s a place where Jewish identity is celebrated through community engagement, arts, and education — a truly inspiring model of what’s possible.

On Friday night, we attended Shabbat services and dinner at Bet El Synagogue. From the moment we entered, we felt a sense of warmth and familiarity — the melodies, prayers, and sense of community were all extremely resonant. Over delicious food and heartfelt conversation, we spoke about raising Jewish children, preserving tradition, and the joys and challenges of Jewish life. Despite our different geographies, we felt united by shared values and purpose.

What Makes the Mexican Jewish Community Unique

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Mexico City’s Jewish community is its closeness. Unlike in the U.S., where Jewish families may be spread across neighborhoods and school systems, Jewish families in Mexico often live in the same areas, attend the same Jewish schools, and share overlapping social networks. Many young adults continue living at home well into their 20s or 30s, only moving out when they get married.

This closeness fosters a deep sense of communal responsibility. For example, every Jewish child has access to high-quality education regardless of financial need, thanks to a robust scholarship system. No child is turned away from a Jewish day school due to cost. This commitment to equity was on full display during our visit to the Katz Jesed Center, which provides a wide range of social services to the Jewish community, including food assistance, subsidized medical care, psychological counseling, and employment support. It was a powerful example of a community ensuring that no one is left behind.

The community’s connection to Israel is equally strong. Roughly 80% of Jewish high school graduates spend a gap year in Israel before college. Israeli educators and youth leaders are embedded within the community, helping to foster Hebrew literacy and a deep appreciation for Israeli culture. Murals of Jerusalem, Israeli flags, and Hebrew language programming are woven into daily life in schools and community centers. Here, Israel isn’t a distant homeland — it’s an integral part of identity.

Reflections and Lessons for Charlotte

This trip offered more than just inspiration; it offered practical ideas to bring home. Many participants were struck by the seamless integration of education, social support, and Israel engagement. There’s much we can learn from their dedication to supporting every Jewish member and their investment in youth as the future of Jewish life.

We also returned with a renewed appreciation for our own community’s openness. One area of difference we noticed was around inclusivity: while our Charlotte community embraces converts and interfaith families, these are less accepted in Mexico’s Jewish circles. That contrast sparked meaningful discussions about the value we place on welcoming all who choose to live a Jewish life — and the importance of fostering a Jewish community that reflects the diversity and openness of today’s world. Beyond personal reflections, the shared experience strengthened relationships between participants in lasting ways. Some people who had known each other for years formed deeper friendships over the course of the trip, and many left feeling more motivated to help shape Charlotte’s Jewish future.

A Journey That Lasts Beyond the Trip

Our mission to Mexico City was deeply impactful — a powerful reminder that Jewish life thrives in many forms around the world. We returned with gratitude, renewed purpose, and ideas that can help strengthen our own institutions, deepen our ties to Israel, and reaffirm our commitment to caring for one another. We’re thankful to

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte for making this journey possible and for continuing to help us grow, both individually and as a community connected to the global Jewish people.