Jewish Community of Montenegro invites you to support a milestone project: the construction of Montenegro’s first synagogue and Jewish Cultural Center.
Montenegro is the only country in Europe without a synagogue, and this project offers a unique opportunity to enrich our nation’s cultural and religious landscape. Thanks to the generosity of the Capital City of Podgorica, we have been granted land for this historic building. With the Montenegrin government’s initial support, we are already taking the first steps toward making this vision a reality.
The synagogue, to be named "Ar aSem"—"Mountain of the Lord"—will be a welcoming place for worship, learning, and interfaith dialogue, promoting values of peace, respect, and tolerance.
We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey, creating a legacy of unity and understanding for future generations.
About our community
The Jewish Community of Montenegro was established in 2011, has become a vibrant part of the country’s cultural and religious landscape. Officially recognized as the fourth religion in 2012, with the full support of the Montenegrin government, our community thrives in a nation committed to diversity and inclusion.
We are proud members of the World Jewish Congress and the European Jewish Congress, actively participating in global efforts to preserve Jewish heritage, combat antisemitism, and promote Holocaust remembrance. Our relationship with Israel is particularly strong, with Montenegro hosting around 100,000 Israeli tourists annually and commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day each January 27th, in partnership with the Montenegrin Parliament.
In 2024, we unveiled the Velvetta Monument in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel, the Honorary Consulate of Montenegro in Israel, and the Municipality of Nikšić, honoring Operation Velvetta, a key mission in Israel’s fight for independence in 1948. This stands as a symbol of the enduring bond between our nations.
Our annual Mahar Conference, supported by the Montenegrin government and global Jewish organizations, has gathered over 6,000 participants from 20 countries, fostering cultural exchange and unity. We remain dedicated to promoting Jewish traditions and values, while strengthening tolerance and mutual respect across Montenegro.
Our community is dedicated to sharing Jewish traditions and values, fostering mutual respect, and promoting tolerance throughout Montenegro. Through collaboration with local and international organizations, we provide educational programs and cultural events, enriching the lives of our members and strengthening bonds with the broader society.
About the Synagogue Project
Upon its founding, the Jewish Community of Montenegro was granted a 1,640 m² plot of land by the Capital City of Podgorica for the construction of a synagogue and cultural center. Located on Radosava Burića Street in the Pobrežje area, the synagogue and cultural center will span a total area of 601.93 m², with plans already completed.
We envision naming the synagogue "AraSem", meaning "Mountain of the Lord" in Hebrew. This name reflects the Jewish tradition of naming synagogues while symbolizing the deep connection between the Jewish people and Montenegro. Inspired by a verse from the Book of Isaiah (2:3), the following words will be engraved above the synagogue’s main entrance:
"And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths. For the law will go out from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.'"
This ancient verse encapsulates our vision for the synagogue: a welcoming space where all people, not just the Jewish community, can come to learn about Jewish faith, culture, and tradition. By fostering understanding, we aim to promote greater tolerance and coexistence. Knowledge of one another diminishes hatred and builds respect, and the synagogue will serve as a beacon for this ideal.
A Cultural and Educational Hub
The synagogue will not only function as a house of worship but also as an educational and cultural center, open to all individuals of goodwill who wish to explore Jewish history and values. Its mission is to enrich Montenegro’s inclusive and pluralistic spirit, building on the nation’s strong tradition of tolerance. While Montenegro has thankfully never been an anti-Semitic society, increased exposure to Jewish traditions will further deepen its culture of openness.
The name "Mountain of the Lord" also pays tribute to Montenegro itself—a nation whose name echoes the idea of a sacred mountain.
Architectural Design and Symbolism
The architectural design of the synagogue draws inspiration from key Jewish symbols, most notably the Menorah, which is reflected in the structure’s form. The building will feature 12 concrete pillars symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel, while the Star of David, an enduring symbol of Judaism, will be prominently integrated into the design.
Key Features of the Synagogue and Cultural Center
The Jewish Cultural Center will include:
Ground Floor: The synagogue, with seating for 100 people, and a reception area.
First Floor: A hall for gatherings and a Kosher restaurant.
Second Floor: Offices for the Jewish Community of Montenegro, a conference room, and a library.
This synagogue will be one of the few in Europe built from the ground up since World War II, marking a historic achievement for Montenegro and the Jewish community alike. It will serve as a lasting testament to the values of peace, understanding, and interfaith dialogue.
The construction of our synagogue requires €1,400,000. We have received €200,000 from the government budget, and next May, the government will allocate another €200,000.
