Iași, the historic capital of Moldavia, was home to one of the largest and oldest Jewish communities in Romania. In 1859 Jews were about half the city’s population, and in 1939 it had 112 synagogues. Here stands the oldest surviving synagogue in Romania; here, in 1876, came the performance regarded as the birth of Yiddish theatre; and here, in June 1941, the pogrom took place with which the destruction of Romanian Jewry began.
Romania’s oldest surviving synagogue: built in the days of Rabbi Nathan Nata Hannover, it survived fires and a stalled restoration, and reopened at Hanukkah 2018.
Romania’s oldest surviving synagogue: built in the days of Rabbi Nathan Nata Hannover, it survived fires and a stalled restoration, and reopened…
On 28–30 June 1941 thousands of Jews were murdered in Iași and on two “death trains”. What happened, who carried it out,…
In the summer of 1876 Avraham Goldfaden staged, in the Green Tree garden in Iași, the performances regarded as the beginning of…
A one-day route in Iași: two museums, four synagogues, the community office and the Păcurari cemetery — with addresses, estimated distances and…
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
str. Sinagogilor 1 · Built in 1657
str. Sf. Constantin 5 · Built in 1895
str. Elena Doamna 13 · Built in 1865
From the list of synagogues of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania (FCER), checked on 5 November 2026. Synagogues marked “In use” are listed as functioning. The others still stand but may be closed or used as a museum or hall. Arrange visits with the community in advance. FCER list
str. Păcurari 42
From the Federation’s cemetery list (2007). Arrange visits in advance with the community, which holds the keys.
Map of Jewish cemeteries in RomaniaAstronomical 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.
According to the chains’ own websites. Branch addresses and hours are in each chain’s store locator.
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 catalogueGeneral guidance for travellers. For any kashrut question, consult a rabbi.
Stay connected with Moise House! Get updates on kosher dining, Shabbat meals, mountain adventures and travel tips across Romania.
