Jewish Welfare Board

Welcome to Singapore! If you’re looking for a Jewish home away from home, you’ve come to the right place.

Ever since the early 19th Century, Singapore established itself a safe haven for Jews and soon developed into a thriving community with a vibrant Jewish life. That spirit of hospitality never left us and remained our hallmark to this day.

Our congregation follows the Sephardic Orthodox rite and while we are proud of our commitment to Halacha, we pride ourselves in being an inclusive community which welcomes all Jews, from all denominations and backgrounds, in the spirit of Ahavat Israel.

Singapore boasts a multiracial and religiously diverse society which prides itself in the harmonious and peaceful ties enjoyed by and between all faith communities. In that respect, it stands among just a few countries in the world which are genuinely free of racism and antisemitism.

In this spirit of respect and tolerance, Jews have risen to great prominence and contributed greatly to the growth and development of Singapore as a nation.  Sir Manasseh Meyer, the great philanthropist and Jewish leader, David Marshall, Singapore’s first Chief Minister, Dr. Yahya Cohen, one of Singapore’s Surgeon General, Jacob Ballas, well known financier and philanthropist and founder of the Malaya and  Singapore stock exchange and many others have served as model citizens and ambassadors of our eternal Jewish values and heritage.

Singapore serves as a financial hub in Asia but also as a Jewish hub. Our community is home to approximately 2,500 Jewish residents, mainly expatriates from Israel, America, Australia and Europe.

The Maghain Aboth Synagogue (founded in 1878), the Chesed El Synagogue (founded in 1905), the Jacob Ballas Centre and our School were established with one  single purpose; to serve the Jewish needs of our community. Therefore, besides the entire spectrum of religious services, we aim to provide a variety of social and educational activities throughout the year, for children, teen-agers, young professionals and families.

Here is a short overview of the services, activities and programs we provide; av ladies Mikvah, men’s Mikveh, the Awafi Kosher restaurant, The Kosher Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlet, our Sunday Hebrew School program, the Abdallah Shooker home for the aged, Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial and funeral services), our Kosher shop, Shabbat and Holy days meals and catering, outreach programs, Synagogue tours etc…

We look forward to see you soon with us and wish you a enjoyable stay in Singapore.

Lehitraot!