ANTIQUITY
Jewish Berber Family
The Jews are known to have been in Algeria since the Antiquity, but no one really knows how or when they arrived. It seems there have been several waves of Jewish immigration to Algeria, the first one following the Roman conquests in Algeria in the second century. The earliest known synagogue in Algeria dates to the third century.
The second wave of Jewish of immigration followed in the 7th century as a result of the persecution by Spanish King Sisebuth. Most of these Spanish Jews settled in Algerian in cities such as Setif and Constantine, but also in the Touat, the region in Southwestern Algeria that is part of the Sahara Desert, most notably in the city of Tamentit.
The second wave of Jewish of immigration followed in the 7th century as a result of the persecution by Spanish King Sisebuth. Most of these Spanish Jews settled in Algerian in cities such as Setif and Constantine, but also in the Touat, the region in Southwestern Algeria that is part of the Sahara Desert, most notably in the city of Tamentit.
THE BERBERS
Jewish Berber woman in traditional costume
There was also a Jewish presence in the Kabylie Region of Algeria, home of the Berber people, and in Morocco since the earliest of times.
There is proof of a Jewish presence in these areas at least by the 14th century, but the common belief is that they were there much longer. There is a strong oral tradition among these Jews that they come from the conversion of a large number of Berber tribes that converted to Judaism, but there is no proof of this particular origin. Another theory would link the Berbers to the Canaanites, making them cousins. This would explain the similarities between the two and why the Berbers, well known for not accepting outsiders, accepted the Jews. Here again, we have no proof.
In any case, the Berber leaders were tolerant of the Jews and in the tenth century a number of Jewish scholars lived among the Berbers, most notably Rabbi Juda ibn Quraysh of Tiaret.
Toward the end of the tenth century, the Kharidite Berbers settled in the Mzab, the center of Algeria, and a number of Jewish communities sprang up in this area as well.
Unfortunately, in the 12th century the Berber Dynasty know as the Almohades subjected the Jews to a persecution without precedent: The Jews were restricted in the jobs they could have, conversion to Islam was mandatory, mixed marriages forbidden and, lastly, they had to wear special yellow clothing. Whole communities disappeared, as in Oran in 1145 C.E. or Tlemcen in 1146 C.E.
There is proof of a Jewish presence in these areas at least by the 14th century, but the common belief is that they were there much longer. There is a strong oral tradition among these Jews that they come from the conversion of a large number of Berber tribes that converted to Judaism, but there is no proof of this particular origin. Another theory would link the Berbers to the Canaanites, making them cousins. This would explain the similarities between the two and why the Berbers, well known for not accepting outsiders, accepted the Jews. Here again, we have no proof.
In any case, the Berber leaders were tolerant of the Jews and in the tenth century a number of Jewish scholars lived among the Berbers, most notably Rabbi Juda ibn Quraysh of Tiaret.
Toward the end of the tenth century, the Kharidite Berbers settled in the Mzab, the center of Algeria, and a number of Jewish communities sprang up in this area as well.
Unfortunately, in the 12th century the Berber Dynasty know as the Almohades subjected the Jews to a persecution without precedent: The Jews were restricted in the jobs they could have, conversion to Islam was mandatory, mixed marriages forbidden and, lastly, they had to wear special yellow clothing. Whole communities disappeared, as in Oran in 1145 C.E. or Tlemcen in 1146 C.E.
SPANISH AND ITALIAN IMMIGRATION
Ferdinand I de Medici
Jewish immigration to Algeria did not start again until the end of 14th century, and even the beginning of the 15th century, thanks to the arrival of Jews from Spain.
These Jews, called Sephardim, settled in the large cities closest to the sea, such as Alger or Oran. Spanish rabbis became leaders of these communities, and Sephardic rite spread quickly. Very common Jewish Algerian last names, such as Benhaim or Ayache, are direct descendants from these Spanish Jews.
In 1593, Ferdinand of Medici tried to draw Jews to the Italian port of Livorno, to revitalize the economy of the city. He edicts a decree called “La Livorna” in which he gives Jews freedom of cult, Tuscan nationality and even property rights!
Many Spanish Jews are drawn to Livorno, followed by Algerian Jews from Oran in 1667 after the Spanish Governor of the city expels all Jews and conversos. These Jews from Livorno are called Granas of Gorneim in Hebrew (meaning from Livorno). Thanks to them, Livorno quickly became an important sea port.
Some of these Gorneim move back to Algeria in the 18th century, where they flourished as bankers, businessmen or even ministers. They kept their Italian lifestyle though, and didn't blend, generally speaking, with the native Jews, who remained very poor. The then Jewish population in Algerian was concentrated in Alger, Constantine and Tlemcen.
These Jews, called Sephardim, settled in the large cities closest to the sea, such as Alger or Oran. Spanish rabbis became leaders of these communities, and Sephardic rite spread quickly. Very common Jewish Algerian last names, such as Benhaim or Ayache, are direct descendants from these Spanish Jews.
In 1593, Ferdinand of Medici tried to draw Jews to the Italian port of Livorno, to revitalize the economy of the city. He edicts a decree called “La Livorna” in which he gives Jews freedom of cult, Tuscan nationality and even property rights!
Many Spanish Jews are drawn to Livorno, followed by Algerian Jews from Oran in 1667 after the Spanish Governor of the city expels all Jews and conversos. These Jews from Livorno are called Granas of Gorneim in Hebrew (meaning from Livorno). Thanks to them, Livorno quickly became an important sea port.
Some of these Gorneim move back to Algeria in the 18th century, where they flourished as bankers, businessmen or even ministers. They kept their Italian lifestyle though, and didn't blend, generally speaking, with the native Jews, who remained very poor. The then Jewish population in Algerian was concentrated in Alger, Constantine and Tlemcen.
THE OTTOMAN ERA
Algerian Jew
In the 16th and 17th century, Algeria fell under Ottoman rule. Jews were tolerated by muslims, but under a dhimmi statute, which is a kind of second-zone citizenship. Jews were prohibited from owning property, and restricted in the careers they could choose. Therefore, most Jews became business dealers or artisans. In a case of legal dispute between a Jew and a Muslim, a Muslim tribunal rules, under which a Jewish testimony has no value.
Jews lived constantly in fear of raids, insults, or humiliation from Muslims. They spoke and dressed like their Muslim neighbors (with the exception of the veil, that Jewish women never wore), and slowly adopted their lifestyle and traditions, which they superposed on their own.
Each city developed its own culture, rites, and traditions that can still be found in some French or Israeli synagogues (some will follow the liturgy from Constantine, some from Alger etc.).
Jews lived constantly in fear of raids, insults, or humiliation from Muslims. They spoke and dressed like their Muslim neighbors (with the exception of the veil, that Jewish women never wore), and slowly adopted their lifestyle and traditions, which they superposed on their own.
Each city developed its own culture, rites, and traditions that can still be found in some French or Israeli synagogues (some will follow the liturgy from Constantine, some from Alger etc.).