Synagogues in Panama City: What You Need to Know Before You Go

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If you’re planning a kosher trip to Panama City, one of the most important things to understand is how the Jewish community is structured — and where synagogue life is centered.

Panama City has one of the most established Jewish communities in Latin America, with roots going back over a century. Families arrived from the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Europe, building a community that feels complete — not just active, but organized in a way that makes everyday Jewish life and kosher travel in Panama City easy to navigate.

What makes it especially unique is how concentrated everything is. Most synagogues in Panama City are located in and around Punta Paitilla, with additional options nearby in Punta Pacífica, all within just a few kilometers. The oldest synagogue in Panama City, Shevet Ahim Synagogue, is located in the Bella Vista area and was founded in 1933,making it one of the central pillars of synagogue life in Panama City today.

In Panama City, you’re never far from synagogue life, kosher restaurants, or the community itself — and that’s something you feel immediately as a visitor. Synagogues in Panama City aren’t just places of prayer; they’re part of a larger system that makes kosher travel feel structured, connected, and familiar.

Whether you’re visiting synagogues in Panama City or planning to attend services, understanding how it works in advance makes a big difference. Synagogue access is typically coordinated ahead of time — visitors are welcome, but it’s not a walk-in system, especially for Shabbat. At Panama Travel Co., we offer a Jewish community tour that includes key synagogues, and we can coordinate access for you so everything is arranged before you arrive.

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Shevet Ahim Congregation

Shevet Ahim is the main Orthodox Sephardic community structure in Panama and serves as an umbrella for many of the city’s Sephardic synagogues, schools, organizations, and institutions. It also plays a central role in local kashrut supervision, which is why all kosher restaurants in Panama operate under Shevet Ahim certification.

The congregation was shaped by generations of Sephardic families and by the leadership of Rabbi Sion Levy z”l, one of the most important rabbinic figures in Panama’s Jewish history. His influence helped strengthen the community’s religious structure, traditions, education, and organized Jewish life.

Today, Shevet Ahim remains one of the central pillars of Jewish life in Panama City. While each synagogue has its own rabbi, minyanim, and local style, they are all connected to the broader community structure.

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Beth El Congregation

Beth El is the main Ashkenazi synagogue in Panama City, located in Paitilla on Calle Winston Churchill. It is an Orthodox community with a strong Shabbat presence, active community life, and a more familiar Ashkenazi-style atmosphere for many visitors from the U.S.

The congregation has deep roots in Panama’s Jewish history, with more than 80 years of community life, and is led by Rabbi Aaron Laine. Beth El also functions as a community center, with events, learning, and spaces for gatherings.

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SHABBAT SECURITY 

One thing to be aware of, especially for first-time visitors, is that security around synagogues and community areas in Panama City is taken seriously, particularly on Shabbat. There is usually a visible security presence, and the main walking routes between synagogues are the ones most commonly used and monitored by the community.

To enter the synagogues, visitors must complete the Visitor's Registration Form  before arriving in Panama. This form is required for security approval, and once your information is reviewed, the security team will contact you directly.

One form should be submitted per family/household and should include everyone who plans to enter the synagogue. A $15 security fee is collected when submitting the form.

ERUV 

Panama City has an eruv covering the main Jewish areas, including parts of Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, and Bella Vista, which makes Shabbat much easier for families and visitors staying near the community. Because boundaries can change or require checking, it’s always best to confirm the current eruv status with us before Shabbat so we can help you plan accordingly.

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Synagogue Cheat Sheet

Panama City’s synagogues are Orthodox and are mainly concentrated around the Jewish areas of Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, and Bella Vista. For visitors, Shabbat can feel very organized and active, with many people walking between synagogues, meals, and community areas.

What to know:

• Friday night and Shabbat morning are the main times to experience the community.
• Seudah Shlishit is often one of the most beautiful parts of Shabbat in Panama.
• Most synagogues are formal in dress and follow Orthodox standards. (tzniut) 
• Men should avoid shorts; long pants are expected.
• Women should dress modestly, generally with skirts below the knee and tops with sleeves.
• If it rains on Shabbat, synagogues provide ponchos to help people move between buildings or nearby areas.

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MAIN SYNAGOGUES IN PANAMA CITY

Ahavat Sion / Paitilla

Ahavat Sion is the main Sephardic synagogue in Paitilla and usually the busiest synagogue in Panama City. It has a large, active crowd and multiple minyanim throughout the building, which makes it one of the best places to feel the size and energy of the local Jewish community.

The Seudah Shlishit there is especially large and beautiful, and for many visitors it becomes one of the most memorable Shabbat experiences in Panama.

• Located in the heart of Paitilla, near many Jewish families and kosher spots
• Multiple minyanim and a strong daily presence
• Great place to experience the energy of Panama’s Jewish community
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Shevet Ahim  / Bella Vista 

Located in the Bella Vista neighborhood, Shevet Ahim Synagogue was founded in 1933 and is one of the oldest synagogues in Panama. It is part of a long-standing Sephardic community that has been active for generations and continues to play a central role in the day-to-day rhythm of Jewish life in Panama City.

• Approximately 1–2 km from Paitilla and Punta Pacífica
• Walking distance from kosher restaurants and residential areas
• Active daily minyan and strong Shabbat attendance

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Beth El Synagogue

Orthodox Ashkenazi synagogue in the Paitilla area with a strong connection to local community life, families, and Jewish institutions.

• Located in the Paitilla area, 5 minute walking from Ahavat Sion
• Hosts for Shabbat meals, events, and community gatherings
• More traditional and family-oriented atmosphere

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Beit Max Ve Sarah / Punta Pacífica

A newer synagogue reflecting how the Jewish community has expanded into more modern areas of the city like Punta Pacífica.

As Panama has grown, many families have moved into newer high-rise neighborhoods  and the community has expanded with them, while still staying closely connected to its original center in Paitilla.

• Convenient for people staying at the JW Marriott and Residence Inn
• Reflects the growth of the Jewish community into modern city neighborhoods
• Around a 15-minute walk from Paitilla

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FAQ

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How far in advance should I request synagogue access?
At least 2 weeks before your visit.

What information will I be asked to provide?
Basic traveler details, passport information, hotel address, travel dates, Jewish community references, and the synagogues or institutions you plan to visit.

Is the Security form per person or per family?
One form per household, including all family members traveling together.

Can I be asked for an interview?
Yes. In some cases, security may request a short interview before approving access.

What should I wear to synagogue in Panama?
Dress modestly. Men should wear pants. Women should avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, or tight clothing.

Is it easy to walk to synagogue in Panama?
Distances can feel longer because of the heat and humidity, so hotel location matters.

What about rain on Shabbat?
Rain is common in Panama, so staying close to the synagogue is always recommended.

Is there an eruv in Panama City?
Yes, in much of the main Jewish area, but always check the latest eruv map before Shabbat.

Can I rely on Google Maps for walking routes?
Not always. Routes and walking times may be inaccurate, so it is best to confirm locally.

Can visitors arrange Shabbat meals in Panama?
Yes, depending on the date and availability. Main options may include:

• Chabad
• Beth El — available on certain dates
• Fuego Restaurant — During high season
• Local community hosts — based on availability and advance arrangements
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Need help planning synagogue access or Shabbat logistics?
Reach out to Panama Travel Co for assistance.

One of the biggest advantages of traveling to Panama City is that you’re not navigating kosher life on your own — you’re stepping into a community where everything is already in place.

If you want help coordinating synagogue access, Shabbat meals, or building your trip around the community calendar, we can handle that for you.

At Panama Travel Co., we make sure everything is aligned before you arrive — so your experience feels smooth, connected, and easy.

You can also explore synagogue locations, kosher areas, and planning tools through our full travel guide and app.

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Planning your trip?

Start with the full guide — or reach out and we’ll help you organize it step by step.