About this talk

This talk offers an overview of the Jewish presence in Rio de Janeiro, tracing its development from the colonial period to contemporary times. Through key urban spaces, community institutions, and migration stories, it highlights how Jewish life became an integral part of the city's social and cultural landscape.

The presentation examines synagogues, cemeteries, immigrant neighborhoods, and communal centers, while reflecting on themes of memory, identity, and belonging. Examples include the Grande Templo Israelita, founded in the early 20th century and central to Jewish religious and cultural life, and the Museu Judaico do Rio de Janeiro, an institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish communities in the city.

By combining historical context with visual materials, the lecture offers an accessible and engaging introduction to Jewish life in Rio de Janeiro and its role within the broader history of the city.

About Felipe

Felipe Lichand is a historian and licensed tour guide. An active member of the Jewish community in São Paulo, he studied at both the Talmud Torah School and Renascença, the first Jewish school in the city. His strongest connection to Judaism developed through his involvement with the Jewish youth movement Hashomer Hatzair, where he held leadership roles and had the opportunity to spend a year in Israel.

After returning to Brazil, Felipe worked on an exhibition in São Paulo organized by the Holocaust Museum of Curitiba, which sparked his interest in Jewish history and heritage and led to a research scholarship in the field. In June 2019, he joined the Judaic Tourism project, later becoming its coordinator in São Paulo and Santos. He is also a member of LAZOS and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of Jewish history in Brazil and fostering connections with Jewish communities worldwide.