The Jews of Turnu Severin: Sephardim and Ashkenazim in a Danube Port
In 19th-century Turnu Severin on the Danube, Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities lived side by side. The 1881 synagogue is now a notary's…
DROBETA-TURNU-SEVERIN · JEWISH HERITAGE
Jewish Drobeta-Turnu Severin
Drobeta-Turnu Severin, a Danube port in western Oltenia, was refounded in 1833, and in the 19th century two Jewish communities grew up there, one Sephardic and one Ashkenazi. In 1881 the Ashkenazi community applied to build a synagogue, and in 1899 the town had 815 Jews. During the war the town remained in the Old Kingdom of Romania, and its Jews were not deported. The synagogue is now a notary's office, and the cemetery holds a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
- 1 story
- Cemeteries
- Jewish Communities
- Synagogues
HERITAGE COLLECTION
1 storyStories from Drobeta-Turnu Severin
Practical information
- Cemetery
- Sephardic and Ashkenazi sections, Holocaust memorial · in Severin, according to the Federation (no address) · no hours published; neglected
- Former synagogue
- The 1881 building is now a notary's office · exterior only; confirm the location with the community
- Arrangements
- Jewish Community of Craiova, Strada Horezului 5, according to the Federation · Severin belongs to it
- Nearby
- Orșova; Craiova; Caransebeș; Reșița
- Kosher food
- We found no kosher food in the town · bring supplies
The nearest Jewish community to Drobeta-Turnu Severin
The Federation’s directory lists no Jewish community in Drobeta-Turnu Severin. The nearest registered community is in Craiova, about 100 km away as the crow flies.
Jewish Community of Craiova
- President
- Corneliu Sabetay
- Community office
- Str. Horezului nr. 5, Craiova
- Phone/fax
- 0351 434 036
- cecraiova1@yahoo.com
Details from the community directory of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Contact the community before visiting to arrange access to the synagogue or cemetery and to ask about a minyan and kosher food. FCER community directory
Jewish cemeteries in Drobeta-Turnu Severin
Turnu Severin
No address on the official list
Cimitirul Evreiesc
Jewish cemeteries nearby
- Orșova, about 23 km
From the Federation’s cemetery list (2007). Arrange visits in advance with the community, which holds the keys.
Map of Jewish cemeteries in RomaniaHalachic times in Drobeta-Turnu Severin
Astronomical calculation for the town-centre coordinates, sea-level horizon, Romanian time: dawn 16.1°, tallit & tefillin 11.5°, nightfall 7.083°, candle lighting 18 minutes before sunset, Shabbat ends 8.5°. For orientation only; consult a rabbi on questions of halacha.
Kosher products in Drobeta-Turnu Severin
Supermarket chains in town
We could not verify branches of the large chains in town. Check the store locators:
Packaged products: our kosher catalogue
Hundreds of products from Romanian supermarkets with a recognised hechsher. In the catalogue you can filter by the chain you shop at.
Open the kosher catalogueWhat you can buy fresh in any supermarket
- Fresh, whole fruit and vegetables — no kashrut issue, but leafy greens, cabbage, broccoli and strawberries must be checked for insects.
- Fresh, whole fish — a fish where you can see fins and scales, such as carp, trout, whole salmon or sea bream. Ask the shop not to clean or cut it with its own knives, or clean it at home with kosher utensils. Fillets without skin, smoked or seasoned fish — only with a hechsher.
- Eggs — permitted; check each egg for blood spots before use.
- Staples — water, sugar, salt, rice and oil — preferably from the catalogue or with a kosher symbol on the pack.
- Meat, poultry, dairy, cheese and bread — only under recognised supervision. You can order kosher meals from Moise House or ask the local Jewish community.
General guidance for travellers. For any kashrut question, consult a rabbi.