Finding Home: The Revival of My Moroccan Roots (Part 2)
- If you haven’t checked out part 1, go read it now: https://medium.com/@abitanrachel/finding-home-the-revival-of-my-moroccan-roots-part-1-8f8ddaad764b
On my way to Morocco, I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect. I was definitely excited and nervous. A few thoughts that came to mind were: Would I be judged for being “different”? What is society like? Do I look different to other Moroccans? I’m so excited about the food!
When I arrived in Casablanca, I saw the palm trees, fresh air, and sun. I was greeted by a lot of hustlers who wanted to give me a cell phone to rent or a taxi cab. It wasn’t something I was used to. Leaving the airport in Casablanca was transitioning from seeing people on horses on the road to the chaos of traffic jams and busy streets.
Casablanca has a very rich and modern culture. Combining old architecture with modern globalization of KFC, Starbucks, and McDonald’s in multiple areas.
Something about Casablanca made me feel like I could finally fit into my grandparent’s footsteps. Feel their journey and path in life in terms of how their scenery would be. It felt as though I could imagine them in their cool modern 50s outfits, walking around town. Close to what a movie in Casablanca would feel like. When I showed my grandmother some photos of Casablanca, she was not surprised at how modern Casablanca has become. It’s a modern hub of North Africa and has a lot going on. She knew it would grow and change for the better.
The most spiritual connection of my trip was being able to go to the synagogues that have been preserved and upgraded. It’s such an essential proof of history and life of the thriving Moroccan Jewish community that was once an essential part of that country.
The synagogue pictured above had an egalitarian approach to the synagogue’s structure. The separation of men and women was on the same level of the building (for those who are Jewish, you will understand). So many religious books and the buildings were in great shape. Overall, I’m really impressed with how the King of Morocco has maintained and revamped the synagogues in Morocco.
Read Part 3 here: https://abitanrachel.medium.com/finding-home-the-revival-of-my-moroccan-roots-part-3-3c17ec0653c9?source=your_stories_page----------------------------------------
