If you are considering new vacation sites, make sure to add Copenhagen to your list. Though most well known for its rustic atmosphere and quaint architecture, the city conceals a rich Jewish history that stems back to the 17th century. Its cultural heritage includes such landmark destinations as the Great Synagogue of Denmark (uniquely built in the neo-Egyptian architectural style) and the Copenhagen Jewish museum, which preserves 400 years’ worth of artifacts.
A new kosher restaurant, located at the Copenhagen Chabad House, seeks to strengthen the cultural bastions of Danish Jewry. Copenhagen currently has only one kosher market; the Chabad provides Shabbat dinner for over 100 community members. And since Denmark passed a law in 2014 banning kosher slaughter, it has become ever more difficult for observant Jews to live a halachic lifestyle.
Seeking to redress this blow, the new fleishig restaurant, which runs from Sunday through Thursday at dinner time, will provide a much-needed service to both locals and Jewish tourists. Aside from being a source of kosher meat, it will be the only kosher restaurant in all of Copenhagen, which is home to the vast majority of Denmark’s Jews. This institution will undoubtedly serve to unite the community.
The community, though small at only 7,000 members, benefits from both a local Chabad and a chief rabbi. Despite a recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks in the area—including a shooting outside the main synagogue in 2015—the community’s resilience has not faltered. Chabad of Denmark provides necessary services to the community, such as a mikvah and day-care services.
On a visit to Europe, Copenhagen is a must, and with the support of Chabad it is now easier than ever to plan a tour. Be sure to stop by the kosher restaurant, the newest addition in the long-running saga of Jewish life in Denmark.
The restaurant is located in Ole Suhrs Gade 10, 1354 Copenhagen, Denmark. Advance reservations requested. Email Rabbi Yitzi and Rochel Loewenthal at [email protected].
By Dov Greenwood
Dov Greenwood is recent Frisch graduate and a summer intern at The Jewish Link.
